GAC tests all-solid-state battery, nearly doubles density

GAC Group has become the first Chinese company to test mass production of all-solid-state batteries for cars with a current exceeding 60 amps, according to Chairman Feng Xingya at the Guangzhou Auto Show. Qi Hongzhong, head of new energy research and development at GAC's Advanced Platform Technology Institute, said the battery has an energy density nearly double that of current electric batteries.

Technological advancement: all-solid-state batteries

All-solid-state batteries, which use solid electrolytes, are seen as a game changer for electric vehicles thanks to their higher energy density, better safety, and longer lifespan than conventional lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes. GAC said the battery, which is being mass-produced, has a current rating exceeding 60 amps and an energy density nearly double that of current solutions.

According to GAC, these parameters open up the possibility of significantly improving the packaging efficiency and energy capacity per unit volume of the battery pack, thereby supporting the operating range and optimizing the design of the storage system on electric vehicles.

Implementation roadmap as planned

Guangzhou-based GAC plans to start small-scale pilot installations next year, then gradually move to mass production between 2027 and 2030, according to Qi Hongzhong, a step-by-step roadmap to turn research results into commercial products.

Reorganize to accelerate product development

GAC has undergone a major transformation over the past year, learning much from its partner Huawei Technologies, Feng Xingya said. The changes include restructuring its internal structure, adopting an integrated product development approach, and improving its marketing system.

According to newly appointed General Manager Xia Xianqing, GAC is shifting from a “departmental division of labor” model to a “product-based team” model, with a focus on removing barriers, increasing inter-departmental cooperation and improving operational efficiency.

Qijing: New Brand Co-Developed with Huawei

In September, GAC deepened its cooperation with Huawei's Smart Automotive Solutions division and launched the Qijing brand. Qijing targets young, stylish consumers who demand top-notch vehicle performance, Xia Xianqing said. The brand's first electric vehicle is expected to launch next year at a price of around 300,000 yuan ($41,800).

GAC positions Qijing as a top strategic priority. Feng Xingya stressed that the manufacturer “puts Qijing first” and “is wholeheartedly devoted to Qijing.”

Expanding sales network and experience

During the transition, GAC is restructuring its sales network, planning to add 600 new brand experience stores to cover more than 90% of the county-level market nationwide. The company has now begun planning and recruiting for the first batch of 100 cities.

Compared with other leading manufacturers, GAC's existing sales, spare parts, service and survey store experience have much room for improvement, according to Deputy General Manager Huang Yongqiang. To support the new energy strategy, GAC plans to expand its network down to the county and township levels.

Aion UT and online channel strategy

GAC Aion, the company’s new energy vehicle arm, recently launched the Aion UT in partnership with JD.com, targeting low-end markets with prices starting at 49,900 yuan ($9,950). Huang Yongqiang said China’s new energy vehicle market is rapidly penetrating fourth- and fifth-tier cities. GAC aims to leverage JD.com’s online channel to expand into the lower-end market, with the Aion UT as its flagship product.

Summary of key milestones and information

Category	Information
Battery technology	All-solid-state battery, solid electrolyte
Test current	Exceeding 60 amps
Energy density	Nearly twice as much as current batteries
Trial installation	Expected to start next year (small quantity)
Mass production	Roadmap 2027–2030
Organizational orientation	Move to product-based teams, cross-departmental integration
Brand new	Qijing (in cooperation with Huawei), top strategic priority
The first Qijing model	Launching next year, priced around 300,000 yuan ($41,800)
Store network	600 more experience stores, covering more than 90% of district-level markets; first phase 100 cities
Cheap car model	Aion UT (with JD.com), priced from 49,900 yuan ($9,950)

Conclude

The milestone of testing all-solid-state batteries with current exceeding 60 amps and nearly doubling the energy density shows GAC's clear technological direction. In parallel, the organizational strategy, cooperation with Huawei to develop Qijing, expanding the sales network and testing the online channel model with Aion UT show that GAC is preparing the necessary infrastructure to commercialize new energy products in the planned period of 2027–2030.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/gac-thu-nghiem-pin-the-ran-hoan-toan-gan-gap-doi-mat-do-10312632.html