The new battery was introduced by CALB President, Liu Jingyu. According to Sina Finance, this high-capacity battery is positioned as a primary solution for passenger vehicles requiring a range of 1,000 km or more.
The 60 Ah prototype is compact, similar in size to a desktop calendar, and weighs less than 490 g. This represents a reduction of up to 75% compared to current LFP batteries of similar capacity, which often weigh over 2 kg. This weight reduction capability will make electric vehicles significantly lighter, easing the load on tires, suspension, and chassis systems.
This hardware marks a shift from CALB's previously announced solid-state platform to a production-ready format. At the CALB Global Partner Conference in 2025, the company confirmed the trial production of sulfide-based solid electrolytes, which they report have 15% higher ionic conductivity than existing semi-solid oxide alternatives.
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The 60 Ah battery from CALB, similar in size to a desktop calendar. *Photo: Sina* |
CALB plans a two-phase deployment: providing 450 Wh/kg batteries for humanoid robots and eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicles in Q4, followed by small-scale integration into the automotive market in 2027. This progress is supported by the anticipated issuance of China's first national solid-state battery standards next July, which will provide the necessary legal framework for road-use certification.
While manufacturers like CALB and BYD target 2027 for premium vehicle fleets, such as BYD's Yangwang brand, industry consensus suggests that full mass-market scaling is not expected until closer to 2030.
The battery structure utilizes a high-nickel cathode combined with a high-capacity lithium-metal or silicon-composite system. CALB reports that this platform supports 6C+ charging rates, theoretically allowing a 10%-80% charge in approximately 7 minutes. However, Liu noted that commercialization is still hampered by costs 100% higher than liquid electrolytes. Current solid-state battery (SSB) costs are estimated at about 0,85 yuan/Wh (0,12 USD/Wh).
According to CarNewsChina, electric vehicles remain heavy due to the "energy cost" of batteries: bulletproof casings, fireproof partitions, and liquid cooling systems. Sulfide-based solid-state technology changes this by enabling simpler "dry" battery packs, with analysts predicting potential savings of 200-300 kg for long-range sedans.
For high-performance brands like Xiaomi and Hyptec SSR (GAC Aion), where weight reduction helps restore the dynamics often lost with heavy batteries, this breakthrough is the industry's "holy grail," potentially even more valuable than range itself.
CALB (China Aviation Lithium Battery) is a state-partially-owned company specializing in the development and production of lithium-ion batteries, headquartered in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province.
In 2022, CALB was the 7th largest electric vehicle battery supplier globally and the third largest in China (after CATL and BYD). The company's products also include batteries for grid energy storage systems.
My Anh
