Chinese researchers say semi-solid-state EV battery may deliver a 620-mile range and approach 1,000 miles

Researchers at Nankai University report a semi-solid-state battery pack with a system-level energy density of 288 Wh/kg and a claimed 142 kWh pack range of over 620 miles; the results have not yet been independently verified.

Researchers at Nankai University in Tianjin have announced a semi-solid-state battery developed with industry partners. The team reports a system-level energy density of 288 Wh/kg and says a 142 kWh production version could enable more than 1,000 km (about 620 miles) of driving. The design reportedly uses a lithium-rich manganese cathode, a hybrid solid–liquid “super-wetting” electrolyte, and a lithium anode approach. The findings come from a university-industry collaboration and have not yet been independently peer reviewed. Key details: - The researchers report a system-level energy density of 288 Wh/kg; they also state the pack in isolation is 500 Wh/kg. - The team says future iterations could exceed 340 Wh/kg at the pack level and that they are working toward packs over 200 kWh, with claimed ranges up to about 1,600 km (~1,000 miles). - The battery chemistry is described as a lithium-rich manganese cathode combined with a hybrid solid-liquid, “super-wetting” composite electrolyte and a lithium anode approach. - Reports do not specify which vehicle or which test cycle was used; the announcement is reported via media outlets and not yet independently validated. - The article notes that WLTP and EPA testing cycles are generally less generous than China’s CLTC, and it cites a common rule-of-thumb of subtracting roughly 30% from claimed ranges for real-world comparisons. Summary: If the reported figures are validated by independent testing and by internationally comparable test cycles, the work would represent a significant increase in pack-level energy density and claimed driving range. Researchers say they are iterating the technology; independent peer review and third-party validation are undetermined at this time.