21-05-2025
China hits solid-state battery milestone with Gotion's 0.2 GWh pilot line for safer EVs
Gotion, one of the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturers, has officially entered the all-solid-state battery race with the launch of its first experimental production line aimed to test and refine next-generation battery technologies.
Unveiled during Gotion High-tech's 13th tech conference on May 17, the facility reportedly represents a major milestone in the shift toward safer, more efficient battery technologies that could define the future of electric mobility.
Designed with a capacity of 0.2 gigawatt-hours (GWh), the newly built pilot line will produce Gotion's all-solid-state Gemstone battery cells, which are already undergoing real-world road testing in EVs and have shown promising results.
The batteries deliver approximately 40 percent higher energy density compared to conventional lithium ternary cells, offering 350 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) or 800 watt-hours per liter (Wh/L). This, according to the Chinese company, makes them a promising alternative for EVs.
Pan Ruijun, Gemstone project research and development head, revealed that the entire production setup uses domestically manufactured equipment. He emphasized that the batteries have already been installed in vehicles and tested on the road.
This, according to Ruijun, not only reduces the dependency on foreign suppliers, but also underscores China's accelerating leadership in battery innovation. He further pointed out that after a full year of performance validation, individual Gemstone cells have achieved a 150 percent increase in capacity, though exact figures were not disclosed.
Gotion, in which Volkswagen holds a 24.45 percent interest, also highlighted that the batteries passed rigorous tests including pin-prick, hot-box, overcharge, and crush stimulations.
The outcomes reinforced their promise as a safer alternative to traditional lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells, which are prone to overheating and thermal runaway. "This means that the human imagination of this ultimate battery is finally within reach," Ruijun stated.
While no official mass production date was provided at this year's conference, the EV battery giant previously stated that small-scale production and vehicle integration could begin in 2027, with full-scale manufacturing expected by 2030.
That timeline aligns with similar goals announced by major competitors. CATL and BYD, two other leading Chinese battery makers, have also outlined plans for limited deployment of solid-state batteries by 2027.
However, despite growing industry excitement, significant hurdles remain for the commercial rollout of the solid-state technology. The company revealed that these include scaling up manufacturing, ensuring long-term material stability, and driving down production costs.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government recently introduced stricter safety standards for EV batteries, set to take effect on 1 July next year, that aim to further improve cell safety.
Yet, Gotion's transition to pilot-scale production serves as a strong indication that the solid-state battery industry is progressing beyond theoretical development and entering the early stages of practical implementation.
With a 3.5 percent share of the global EV battery market as of Q1 2025, ranking it sixth worldwide according to SNE Research, the company is now positioning itself at the forefront of the solid-state revolution. If it meets its projected goals, the Gemstone line could play a central role in reshaping battery architecture and accelerating the transition to cleaner transportation.
