WeLion New Energy Develops Advanced Semi-Solid-State Batteries

WeLion New Energy is actively developing semi-solid-state battery cells designed to enhance safety and increase energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, targeting applications in electric cars, boats, and drones. The increasing demand for batteries across various sectors, from personal electronics to large-scale transportation, has spurred a search for more capable energy storage solutions. Lithium-ion batteries, the current standard, utilize a liquid electrolyte that, while effective for ion transfer, poses a fire risk due to its flammability. WeLion, like other industry players, is exploring solid-state battery technology, which replaces the liquid electrolyte with a solid alternative. This shift promises to boost energy density and improve safety by eliminating flammable liquid components. However, the manufacturing of fully solid-state cells presents significant technical challenges. Consequently, WeLion is concentrating its efforts on semi-solid-state cells, which incorporate a hybrid electrolyte comprising both liquid and solid components, representing a more achievable intermediate step.

In 2023, WeLion New Energy collaborated with Shanghai-based electric vehicle manufacturer Nio, renowned for its battery-swapping technology, to release a prototype battery pack. This semi-solid-state pack achieved an impressive energy density of 360 watt-hours per kilogram (wh/kg). This figure is substantially higher than the typical 200 wh/kg found in current lithium-ion packs, enabling a driving range exceeding 1,000 kilometers (approximately 621 miles) on a single charge. Despite this technological achievement, the high production costs limited the initial manufacturing run to approximately 200 units. Nio continues to utilize these advanced battery packs, according to WeLion. Beyond automotive applications, WeLion has also leveraged its expertise to develop batteries for maritime transport, including cargo ships and ferries, through a dedicated subsidiary. The company's ongoing research and development efforts are focused on pushing the boundaries of energy density even further.

Further demonstrating their progress, WeLion's engineers developed a semi-solid-state battery prototype in 2025 that achieved a remarkable energy density of 824 wh/kg during internal testing. This represents a significant leap forward in energy storage capability, more than doubling the density of the battery pack previously released with Nio and far surpassing current lithium-ion standards. This advancement suggests a potential pathway to significantly extend the operational range of electric vehicles and other battery-powered devices, while simultaneously mitigating safety concerns associated with traditional battery chemistries. The company's strategic focus on semi-solid-state technology positions it as a key innovator in the evolving landscape of energy storage solutions, addressing critical needs for higher performance and enhanced safety in the rapidly expanding electric mobility and portable power markets.