Sunwoda unveils solid-state battery with 1000 km range

Chinese company Sunwoda has shared the testing results of its advanced solid-state batteries, which could significantly impact the future of the electric vehicle market. The new 20 Ah prototype, named Xin Bixiao, demonstrated impressive thermal stability during stress tests, paving the way for safer and longer-range electric vehicles.

• China's Sunwoda successfully tested the 20 Ah Xin Bixiao solid-state battery prototype
• The cell withstood heating up to 200 °C without fire or explosion, retaining over 80% capacity after 1,200 cycles
• Energy density exceeds 400 Wh/kg, potentially enabling electric vehicles to achieve a range of over 1,000 km

Safety and Performance of Xin Bixiao

During recent tests, an individual cell of the Xin Bixiao prototype successfully withstood extreme heating up to 200 degrees Celsius. Although the tests were conducted on a single cell rather than a full EV battery pack, the results demonstrate the high safety standards of its polymer-composite base and silicon anode. The manufacturer states that the battery shows strong resistance to thermal runaway.

The energy density of the new battery exceeds 400 Wh/kg, while its lifespan surpasses 1,200 charge and discharge cycles. Even after completing 1,200 cycles, the battery retained over 80 percent of its original capacity. According to Sunwoda's estimates, with an average annual mileage of 20,000 kilometers, this durability could ensure more than ten years of operation.

Sulfide Batteries and Aviation Plans

Alongside polymer-composite solutions, Sunwoda is preparing next-generation batteries based on a sulfide electrolyte. Next year, the company plans to produce such a battery on its pre-commercial manufacturing line with a projected capacity of 0.2 GWh per year, which is enough for about 2,600 to 2,700 electric vehicles.

Another research direction involves aviation batteries. Sunwoda aims to create cells with an energy density of at least 450 Wh/kg, as well as power sources for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. For the latter, the company targets a continuous discharge specific power of at least 1000 W/kg, though commercial launch dates remain unannounced.

Significance for the EV Industry

The development of solid-state technologies directly addresses the primary challenges of modern electric vehicles, such as degradation, long charging times, and fire risks. Sunwoda's progress shows that the industry is steadily moving toward commercial vehicles capable of real-world ranges exceeding 1,000 km on a single charge.

Previously, Sunwoda also introduced an ultrafast-charging lithium iron phosphate battery capable of adding about 100 km of range in just one minute. Combining such breakthroughs will eventually make electric transport just as convenient as traditional fuel-powered vehicles, accelerating global adoption.