WeLion New Energy pushes semi-solid-state batteries toward commercial use

WeLion New Energy, a Beijing-based energy storage company, is making progress in semi-solid-state battery technology, aiming to improve energy density and safety for electric vehicles and maritime applications. While the company has achieved experimental milestones, challenges like high production costs and scalability remain.

Semi-solid-state batteries gain traction

According to MIT Technology Review, WeLion New Energy is developing semi-solid-state batteries, which use a hybrid electrolyte combining liquid and solid components. This design aims to increase energy density and improve safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

In 2023, WeLion partnered with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Nio to release a 360 watt-hour per kilogram (wh/kg) battery pack. The companies reported that this battery enabled a driving range of over 1,000 kilometers for Nio’s vehicles.

WeLion also achieved an experimental energy density of 824 wh/kg in 2025. However, key details about its commercial viability, such as charge cycles and capacity degradation, remain undisclosed.

Cost and scalability challenges

WeLion’s semi-solid-state batteries are reportedly more expensive than conventional lithium-ion batteries produced by larger Chinese battery manufacturers like CATL. This cost disparity could hinder widespread adoption, even as the technology promises better performance.

The company currently operates four production bases in China with a combined annual manufacturing capacity of 11 gigawatt-hours (GWh). WeLion is also constructing two additional plants, which are expected to add 18 GWh of yearly capacity.

Expansion into electric vehicles and maritime applications

WeLion plans to bring a new semi-solid-state battery for drones to market by the end of 2026, targeting an energy density of 410 wh/kg. The company also aims to introduce its first all-solid-state battery for cars in 2027, with an expected energy density of 400 wh/kg.

Beyond road vehicles, WeLion is expanding into maritime applications. Two inland cargo ships powered by the company’s batteries are scheduled to launch in Huzhou, China, in October 2026. According to MIT Technology Review, WeLion’s subsidiary is already using its batteries to power cargo ships and ferries.

China’s transportation sector accounts for roughly 10% of the country’s total carbon dioxide emissions. Emissions from vessels operating on lakes, canals, and rivers are projected to rise by about 25% this decade, reaching 18.7 million metric tons by 2030. Scaling up safer, higher-capacity batteries could help reduce reliance on fossil fuels in transportation.

Leadership and industry context

WeLion was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Beijing. The company’s co-founder, Chen Liquan, is a scientist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and previously led the development of China’s first all-solid-state battery in 1988.

WeLion’s advancements occur amid China’s broader push to dominate the global battery market. However, industry leaders like CATL have cast doubt on the feasibility of large-scale solid-state battery adoption before 2030, highlighting a gap between policy ambitions and technical realities.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

WeLion New Energy’s progress in semi-solid-state batteries is a meaningful step toward higher energy density and safer energy storage solutions. For founders and operators in the electric vehicle and maritime sectors, this technology could unlock longer ranges and new applications, particularly if costs come down. However, the gap between experimental achievements and commercial viability remains a critical hurdle.

The company’s push into maritime applications is also notable. If WeLion’s batteries prove scalable, they could play a role in decarbonizing China’s shipping industry, which is a growing source of emissions. Yet, the broader challenge of balancing performance, cost, and production capacity is one that all battery startups face—and WeLion is no exception.

For now, WeLion’s timeline for all-solid-state batteries aligns with China’s industrial policy goals, but the skepticism from established players like CATL suggests that the road to mass adoption may be longer than anticipated. Founders evaluating this space should watch for progress in cost reduction and manufacturing scalability, as these will be key determinants of whether semi-solid-state batteries become a mainstream solution or remain a niche technology.

Key takeaways

• WeLion New Energy is a key player in semi-solid-state battery technology, focusing on higher energy density and safety.
• The company’s partnerships and experimental achievements highlight its potential to disrupt the energy storage sector.
• High production costs and unclear commercial viability remain challenges for WeLion’s advanced battery technologies.
• WeLion’s expansion into maritime applications could accelerate the decarbonization of China’s transportation sector.
• China’s push for solid-state batteries faces a gap between policy goals and industry realities, as seen in WeLion’s timeline.

FAQ

What are semi-solid-state batteries?

Semi-solid-state batteries use a hybrid electrolyte that combines liquid and solid components. This design aims to improve energy density and safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, which rely entirely on liquid electrolytes.

Why are WeLion’s batteries more expensive than conventional lithium-ion batteries?

WeLion’s semi-solid-state batteries are a newer and more advanced technology, which typically involve higher production costs. Additionally, the company’s smaller scale compared to giants like CATL may contribute to higher per-unit costs.

What are the potential applications of WeLion’s batteries?

WeLion’s batteries are being developed for electric vehicles, drones, and maritime applications. The company has already partnered with Nio for EV batteries and is testing its technology in cargo ships and ferries.

When will WeLion’s all-solid-state batteries be available for cars?

WeLion plans to introduce its first all-solid-state battery for cars in 2027, with an expected energy density of 400 wh/kg.

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