IM Motor’s intelligent electric vehicles to be launched in 2024 are likely to become the first batch of mass-produced vehicles loaded with solid-state batteries, Kallanish learns from IM Motor’s parent company SAIC. 

The first-generation solid-state batteries jointly developed by SAIC and Jiangsu Qingtao have completed the vehicle loading test. While achieving system-level zero thermal runaway, the energy density of a single unit has reached 368 watts per kilogram. Compared with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, the energy density has increased by more than 100%, and the maximum mileage range of the test vehicle has reached 1,083 kilometres (673 miles). After a ten-minute charge, the mileage range can be extended by 400 km, the companies claim.

The upcoming battery models, featuring 800-voltage ultra-fast charging capabilities, are tested to have a liquid mass proportion of below 5%. 

After large-scale application, the battery cost will be 10-30% lower than that of LFP or ternary lithium batteries of the same specification, according to SAIC and Qingtao. 

In 2025, besides loading the solid-state batteries on high-end models of brands such as IM Motor and Feifan, the batteries will also be used on mid-level EVs of brands such as Roewe and MG, SAIC has said.

Battery prices account for a large proportion of EV costs. The estimated cost reduction of solid-state technology will enable EVs to be cheaper and enable the deployment of more soli-state batteries in mid-level vehicles at a faster pace.