NIO TO RECEIVE THE FIRST SOLID STATE BATTERY PRODUCED BY WELION

Semi-solid battery supplier Beijing WeLion New Energy Technology has begun rolling out its solid-state battery cells, marking a major milestone for the company and paving the way for its delivery to the automaker NIO.

On Nov. 22, WeLion saw the first solid-state battery cell roll off the production line at its battery manufacturing plant in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, eastern China. WeLion began construction of its battery base in Huzhou in 2021 and completed construction of the factory and production line after one year, said Tian Qiyou, general manager of the company’s Huzhou branch office.

The smooth deployment of the first solid-state battery cell is of great importance, he indicated, adding that the company will partner with major international automakers to ensure that subsequent mass production progresses steadily as planned. When NIO unveiled its flagship sedan, the ET7, at the NIO Day 2020 event on Jan. 9, 2021, it said the model would have a battery with 150 kWh solid-state cells, available starting in the fourth quarter of 2022. According to a press release from Lighthouse Capital, the battery would allow up to 1,000 miles of range on a single charge.

WeLion has partnered with automakers such as NIO and Geely. Mass production of WeLion’s solid-liquid hybrid battery with NIO is expected to begin by the end of this year, or in the first half of next year.