A Chinese electric-vehicle manufacturer has unveiled what it claims is the world’s first semi-solid-state EV battery capable of delivering a driving range of about 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) on a single charge. The prototype battery represents a potential step forward in the transition from conventional lithium-ion cells toward solid-state energy storage technologies that promise higher capacity and improved safety, tells Live Science.
The battery was developed through a collaboration involving researchers at Nankai University and China FAW Group’s subsidiary CANEB. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that rely on fully liquid electrolytes, the new design uses a hybrid solid-liquid electrolyte, sometimes described as a “super-wetting” system. This structure allows ions to move efficiently while maintaining greater stability than typical liquid electrolytes. According to the researchers, the architecture improves energy density and reduces the risk of overheating or internal short circuits.
The cell employs a lithium-rich manganese cathode, which contributes to a high energy density exceeding 500 watt-hours per kilogram at the cell level. At the system level, the battery pack achieves around 288 Wh/kg, roughly 30% higher than many current lithium-ion battery packs used in electric vehicles. The prototype pack reportedly has a capacity of 142 kilowatt-hours, enabling the long driving range claimed by the developers.
Semi-solid-state batteries are considered an intermediate step toward fully solid-state batteries, which eliminate liquid electrolytes entirely. Engineers see these designs as a practical pathway to improving energy storage because they can be manufactured using techniques similar to existing lithium-ion production lines while still delivering some of the advantages associated with solid-state technology.
Researchers involved in the project believe future versions could push performance even further. Planned improvements could raise energy density to around 340 Wh/kg and expand pack capacity to 200 kWh, potentially enabling driving ranges approaching or exceeding 1,000 miles under ideal conditions.
Although the results remain early and have not yet been fully validated by independent studies, the development illustrates the rapid pace of innovation in EV battery technology. Advances in materials, electrolyte design, and battery architecture continue to push electric vehicles toward longer range, faster charging, and greater safety.