China Unveils Lithium Battery Twice as Powerful as Current EV Cells

Chinese researchers have begun operating a pilot production line for a next-generation lithium battery that could reshape the electric vehicle industry. The new cell delivers an energy density above 600 watt-hours per kilogram—roughly double that of Tesla’s 4680 battery and far greater than BYD’s Blade technology.

The breakthrough, published in Nature by a team at Tianjin University, exceeds Beijing’s 400Wh/kg target set under the “Made in China 2025” initiative. In practical terms, the battery could allow EVs to travel up to 1,000 kilometers on a single charge, easing concerns about range and even surpassing many gasoline-powered vehicles.

Early testing highlights both power and resilience. The battery remained stable at temperatures as low as minus 60 degrees Celsius, withstood puncture and flame exposure without ignition, and showed consistent performance after dozens of charge cycles.

The pilot line in Tianjin has already supplied cells to three drone models, extending their operating time by nearly threefold. Researchers used machine learning and big data analysis to identify the most effective electrolyte combinations, moving beyond traditional solvation structures to balance high energy output with longer cycle life.

Assembling a prototype pack, known as Pack480, the team achieved more energy per unit volume than most existing batteries while maintaining stability across repeated cycles. The technology is expected to find applications not only in electric cars but also in areas requiring exceptional energy density, such as electric aircraft.