CALB launches 400 Wh/kg Semi Solid State Battery for Light Truck

Semi-solid-state batteries are beginning to make a significant entry into China’s light truck market, following the release of a new 400 Wh/kg product from Contemporary Amperex Technology (CALB). Debuted on March 28 at a new energy commercial vehicle exhibition in Hefei, Anhui province, the hybrid solid-liquid battery has entered mass production and is being incorporated into Chery Automobile’s light trucks.

Utilizing a solid-liquid electrolyte system, the semi-solid-state design achieves an energy density roughly 122% higher than that of conventional liquid lithium batteries. This increase in energy density helps reduce the overall weight of the battery—an important advantage for light trucks where payload capacity is key. According to CALB, the battery has passed 44 safety tests, including assessments of thermal propagation, fire resistance, and crush performance, surpassing China’s latest battery safety standards and ensuring reliable operation in commercial environments.

In terms of charging, the battery supports 2C fast charging, allowing it to recharge from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes. This faster charging capability is expected to improve operational efficiency for high-frequency logistics and distribution services. The battery also performs well under extreme conditions; at –25 °C, it offers over 20% more range than conventional alternatives and supports a continuous 1C discharge rate.

Looking forward, CALB plans to expand the large-scale deployment of its semi-solid-state technology beyond light trucks to include special-purpose vehicles and other transportation segments. The company has also recently started mass production of aviation-grade power batteries for Aridge’s flying car program. Aridge, a technology company backed by Xpeng and its chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng, aims to begin mass production of its electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles later this year.

In February, CALB ranked third in China’s domestic power battery installation market with a 6% share, trailing only two leading suppliers that together account for more than 62% of the market. As commercial vehicles increasingly adopt more advanced battery chemistries, semi-solid-state technology is poised to play a key role in balancing safety, energy density, and cost across the industry.