Chinese battery manufacturer Svolt Energy Technology says it will begin volume production of its semi-solid-state batteries in September 2026, as the company accelerates plans to commercialise higher energy density cells for electric vehicles and other applications.
The announcement was made by Svolt chairman and chief executive Yang Hongxin in a video posted on the Chinese social media platform Weibo and subsequently reported by several industry publications, including Electrive.
According to the reports, Svolt’s “hybrid solid-liquid” battery packs (note the subtle change in nomenclature) are expected to enter production in September, with the company claiming the technology will be deployed across multiple vehicle models. Chinese industry reports suggest the batteries are based on ternary chemistry and will initially target energy densities of around 266Wh/kg.
The move would place Svolt among a growing number of Chinese manufacturers, including SAIC’s MG, attempting to bridge the gap between conventional lithium-ion batteries and fully solid-state systems through semi-solid-state designs using reduced liquid electrolyte content.
Mixed reports on Svolt’s progress
Industry publication EnergyTrend had previously reported that the company planned mass production of semi-solid-state batteries in 2026, while later Chinese-language reports indicated the company had already produced B-samples at its Wuxi facility during 2025.
Several reports describe the company using what it calls an “electrolyte thermal composite transfer process”, which Svolt claims improves electrolyte infiltration efficiency while remaining compatible with existing production infrastructure. Chinese media outlet IT Home reported in 2025 that the technology had entered B-sample verification.
Svolt has also outlined longer-term ambitions for higher energy density cells. In earlier corporate disclosures, the company referenced development of 360Wh/kg semi-solid-state batteries and plans for dedicated semi-solid production capacity.
The company appears to have accelerated its commercialisation schedule. Earlier reporting had suggested trial production would begin in late 2025, with broader industrialisation taking place in 2027. The latest statements instead point to large-scale production beginning this September.
Yang reportedly said fully solid-state batteries still face significant industrialisation challenges and remain some distance from large-scale commercial deployment, reinforcing the growing industry view that semi-solid-state batteries may serve as an intermediate technology step during the transition toward fully solid electrolytes.
Chinese manufacturers including CATL, Gotion High-Tech and WeLion New Energy have also announced semi-solid-state battery development programmes in recent years, with most targeting premium EV applications requiring higher energy density or improved low-temperature performance.
Some reports have also speculated that Svolt’s batteries could ultimately find their way into future models linked to BMW’s Mini joint venture activities in China through parent company Great Wall Motor, although no official customer programme has yet been confirmed.
Photo: Svolt’s stand at the Chinese International Battery Fair earlier this month
Credit: © Svolt
