WeLion New Energy and its semi-solid-state batteries

WeLion New Energy is a company focused on creating safer, more efficient batteries. Their semi-solid-state cells offer improved safety and increased energy density compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in electric vehicles, boats, and drones due to their widespread use in powering personal devices and vehicles.

The electrolyte in lithium-based batteries is a flammable liquid, posing a fire hazard, while solid-state cells using a solid electrolyte can reduce this risk. Although fully solid-state cells are challenging to manufacture, WeLion has focused on developing semi-solid-state cells, which contain a mixture of liquid and solid electrolytes.

In 2023, WeLion collaborated with Shanghai-based EV-maker Nio to release a battery pack with an energy density of 360 watt-hours per kilogram, significantly higher than the typical 200 wh/kg for lithium-ion batteries. The increased energy density translates to a range of over 1,000 kilometers for Nio's vehicles. WeLion has also produced batteries for cargo ships and ferries, and they are developing higher-capacity batteries.

They achieved a remarkable energy density of 824 wh/kg in a laboratory test in 2025, more than three times the energy density of a standard lithium-ion battery. China's transportation sector contributes to approximately 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions, with the country emitting more CO2 than any other nation. Scaling up the production of more efficient and safer batteries could help reduce the country's carbon footprint.

However, WeLion faces challenges in scaling up production and competing on cost in a competitive market. The company's 2025 prototype's experimental results and long-term capacity are still unclear. In the near future, WeLion plans to launch a new semi-solid-state battery for drones with an energy density of 410 wh/kg by year-end and introduce its first all-solid-state battery for cars in 2027, with an energy density of 400 wh/kg.

Two cargo ships powered by WeLion's batteries are set to launch in October 2026, carrying up to 4,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity for a range of up to 250 kilometers. The company currently manufactures 11 GWh annually across four production bases in China, with two additional plants under construction that will increase its capacity by another 18 GWh.