Gangfeng Lithium, a major supplier to automakers including Changan and Hyundai, has begun mass-producing hybrid solid-liquid batteries with an energy density of 650 Wh/kg. This represents a significant leap forward in battery technology, potentially addressing critical limitations of conventional lithium-ion designs. The company is also advancing towards sample production of fully solid-state battery packs.
The Rise of Gangfeng Lithium and its Automotive Partnerships
Founded in 2000, Gangfeng Lithium rapidly evolved from a lithium salt and battery manufacturer into a key supplier for electric vehicles (EVs). In 2017, the company began providing batteries for passenger EVs. Strategic partnerships followed, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Changan Automobile in 2023 and a similar agreement with Hyundai in 2024, solidifying its role in the growing EV supply chain.
Key Innovations: Hybrid Solid-Liquid Technology
The new batteries utilize a lithium alloy to achieve their high energy density (400-650 Wh/kg). Currently deployed in non-automotive applications, this technology is poised for integration into future EVs. The breakthrough relies on advanced positive and negative electrode materials, particularly lithium metal anodes known for their high capacity.
Why this matters: Existing lithium-ion batteries suffer from dendrite formation (leading to short circuits) and limited lifespan. Gangfeng Lithium claims to have overcome these issues through its alloyed lithium metal approach.
Suppressing Dendrite Growth and Enhancing Stability
Gangfeng’s multi-element alloy technology suppresses lithium dendrite growth, a major safety and performance hurdle in conventional batteries. The design achieves a critical current density of 50 mA/cm² and areal capacity of 1 mAh/cm², enabling 3C fast charging compatibility. The alloy framework maintains stable electrode-electrolyte contact, further enhancing performance.
Minimizing Thermal Runaway Risk
The hybrid solid-liquid battery features a “zero-strain” lithium alloy anode paired with a sulfur cathode. This configuration limits volume expansion during charge/discharge to just 3-5%, improving stability. Rigorous testing, including penetration and 250°C heating, demonstrates significantly reduced exothermic reactions (over 90% lower than pure lithium), minimizing the risk of thermal runaway.
The Path to All-Solid-State Batteries
Gangfeng Lithium is leveraging its hybrid solid-liquid experience to accelerate development of fully solid-state batteries with lithium alloy anodes. The company has already reached the sample production stage, indicating rapid progress towards commercialization.
This breakthrough signals a potential shift in the EV battery landscape, offering higher energy density and improved safety compared to current lithium-ion technology. The move towards all-solid-state batteries represents the next evolution in EV energy storage.
