CATL patents enhance EV battery pack safety
CATL has secured two battery-pack safety patents for structural and thermal containment, funded by a 22.147 billion yuan research allocation, has expanded its patent portfolio to 25,046 entries and has retained a 46.7% domestic market share in May.
China targets 40% new-energy heavy truck share by 2030
Chinese authorities have released an implementation plan targeting 40% market penetration of new-energy heavy-duty trucks by 2030, with a fleet of over 1.6 million units; it has outlined 3,000-plus charging and swapping stations and financial support to aid deployment.
Leapmotor updates C10, C11 and C16 line-up
Leapmotor has launched refreshed C10, C11 and C16 models, priced from ¥125,800; it has introduced extended-range and pure-electric powertrains, 800V architecture, LiDAR-equipped high trims, and upgraded interiors and infotainment features.
Chaowei opens sodium-ion battery plant in Anqing
Manufacturing has commenced at Chaowei’s Anqing sodium‑ion battery plant, which has represented a 3.5 billion yuan investment and has delivered an initial 2GWh annual capacity; upstream material competition and local supply expansions have been noted.
China to enforce new EV and battery safety standards
China has introduced mandatory national standards effective 1 July 2026 for electric vehicles and power batteries, requiring one-touch physical power-off systems and no-fire battery performance, and has signalled potential cost and insurance implications for manufacturers and the market.
Hyundai Ioniq V revealed with 66.8 kWh and 620 km
Hyundai has revealed the Ioniq V fastback for China, has offered 53.5 kWh and 66.8 kWh LFP batteries, has been rated up to 650 km (CLTC), and has been specified with a 168 kW motor and 27-inch dual screen.
BYD Sealion 08 lists 115 kWh battery weighing 810 kg
BYD has listed the Sealion 08 with a 115.072 kWh LFP battery weighing 810.5 kg, which has delivered a 900 km CLTC range and has represented 31.2% of the Long‑Range RWD model's 2,595 kg curb weight.
CATL says solid-state batteries years from mass market
CATL has said solid-state batteries have been constrained by manufacturing and interface challenges, keeping large-scale commercialisation unlikely before 2030, while liquid-electrolyte platforms have continued to meet current market demand.
BYD to launch updated Denza N8L in China on 23 June
BYD has confirmed an updated Denza N8L for China on 23 June and has offered a 75.26 kWh LFP battery with 800V flash charging, 420 km CLTC range, and a 560 kW plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Haval H6L PHEV filed with lidar and dual battery sourcing
Great Wall Motor has filed a plug-in hybrid Haval H6L with China's MIIT, featuring optional lidar and battery packs sourced from SVOLT or CATL, and has broadened the H6L range with electrified powertrains.
GM develops sodium‑ion batteries and V2G for data centres
General Motors has expanded development of sodium‑ion batteries, has enhanced vehicle‑to‑grid capabilities, and has pursued partnerships to supply energy‑storage and data‑centre markets amid anticipated AI‑driven demand.
Sodium-ion batteries expected to reach cost parity by 2026
Manufacturers have scaled sodium‑ion technology towards commercial deployment and have projected cell cost parity with LFP by late 2026. Supply‑chain expansions and material cost reductions have been reported to underpin broader energy‑storage adoption.
Dongfeng to mass-produce solid-state batteries in H2 2026
Dongfeng has scheduled mass production and vehicle integration of solid-state batteries for H2 2026, has reported an energy density of 350Wh/kg and has reported test results showing enhanced safety, 30% lighter packs and a potential driving range exceeding 1,000 km.
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra fire in Nanchang; battery data normal
A Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has caught fire on 7 June in Nanchang, and the company has said battery data have shown normal operation with no thermal runaway signals; authorities have been notified and investigations have continued.
US Adds Chinese Tech and EV Firms to Military List
The US Department of Defence has added multiple Chinese technology, electric-vehicle and battery companies to a Section 1260H list, and has signalled potential procurement and partner risks without imposing immediate sanctions.
CATL unveils interchangeable lithium-sodium battery platform
CATL has unveiled a 'One Shell, Two Cells' platform standardising lithium and sodium packs, and suppliers have reported 15,000-cycle sodium-ion durability and synthetic hard‑carbon scaling, supporting commercial deployment and extended energy-storage lifetimes.
Chinese EVs may enter United States via local manufacture
China has expanded its electric-vehicle exports and production capacity worldwide, and exports to North America have risen. US policymakers and automakers have imposed tariffs and regulatory constraints, while industry participants have explored US manufacturing and joint ventures as market-entry routes.
GAC Govy prioritises solid-state batteries for eVTOLs
GAC Govy has advanced eVTOL production and has set certification targets for 2026–27; its CEO has said solid‑state batteries have been essential for range, safety and commercial viability.
Scania to supply 91 electric buses to VR Sweden
Scania has agreed to supply 91 Fencer F1 battery electric buses to VR Sweden for Södertälje and Nykvarn services, which have been specified with 445 kWh batteries and 73-minute 5-95% charging times; the deal has included long-term service support.
CATL to deliver sodium-ion storage systems in September
CATL has scheduled delivery of its first sodium-ion battery energy storage systems for September and has projected GWh-level shipments in 2026, while suppliers have reported substantial material cost reductions and CATL has obtained national carbon certification.
Average passenger-car kerb weight in China rises 392 kg
China's average new-car kerb weight has risen 392 kg from 2012 to 2024 due to electrification, larger battery packs and demand for bigger models. Regulators have introduced energy-efficiency standards and tax thresholds, while battery advances have been announced.
CATL targets lithium‑air battery development
CATL has announced a strategic focus on lithium‑air batteries, has outlined a short‑mid‑long-term roadmap, and has cited laboratory progress toward over 1,200 Wh/kg and theoretical densities up to 12,000 Wh/kg that have been projected to extend EV ranges.
CATL to mass-produce sodium-ion batteries in 2026
CATL has announced plans to mass-produce sodium-ion batteries in 2026, has resolved manufacturing bottlenecks, has secured large supply contracts, has targeted a 600 km single-charge range and has integrated the chemistry across vehicles and storage.
Graphite One selects Conneaut site for anode facility
Graphite One has secured a Conneaut, Ohio site for a 10,000‑tonne-per-year active anode materials facility, has set Q4 2027 for start and Q3 2028 for Phase Two, and has delivered samples and entered binding offtake discussions.
Horizon Motor unveils Class 8 electric tractor
Horizon Motor has unveiled a Class 8 electric tractor with a two-seat half-sleeper cab, 350-mile range and dual-plug CCS1 charging; its first production unit has been allocated to a California fleet for real-world testing.
WEVO launches silicone seal for EV battery housings
WEVO has developed WEVOSIL 23130, a liquid silicone rubber for formed-in-place EV battery pack gaskets that has been designed to meet China's tightened GB 38031-2025 safety standard, offering chemical adhesion, fast curing and production-compatible handling.
PFAS-free hydrogel for lithium-ion battery fire training
Anogas has developed a PFAS-free hydrogel extinguishing agent and a realistic lithium-ion battery fire simulator, which have provided sustainable training solutions and reduced reliance on fluorinated foams while improving firefighter preparedness.
BYD launches Song Ultra DM-i with fifth-generation DM system
BYD has launched the Song Ultra DM-i; it has been equipped with a fifth-generation DM plug-in hybrid powertrain, has been offered with two battery options providing up to 310 km pure electric range, and has included advanced driver-assistance packages.
Potential BYD Shark 7 electric ute market impact
BYD has signalled no immediate Shark 7 plans, while analysts have projected a long‑range, fast‑charging electric ute with competitive pricing has had the potential to capture Australian market share amid persistently low EV ute penetration and rising BYD SUV sales.
CATL opens Xiamen energy storage validation institute
CATL has opened a 10-hectare energy storage validation institute in Xiamen, backed by about 3 billion yuan, providing station-level testing across five specialised laboratories to support global certification, grid-integration assessment and asset bankability.
Lithium-ion battery fires strain firefighting systems
Authorities and industry have reported increasing lithium-ion battery fires that have proven difficult to extinguish, have required large volumes of water, and have highlighted gaps in suppression technologies and environmental safeguards.
Scania launches under-cab battery module for trucks
Scania has begun global sales of an under‑cab battery module that has been designed to free bodywork space, and has been offered with a 400 kWh option to balance range and payload while complying with EU weight limits.
Nio launches ES9 SUV in China with BaaS option
Nio has launched the ES9 full-size SUV in China, priced at 498,000–628,000 yuan with a BaaS battery rental option reducing net price to 390,000–520,000 yuan; the model has been specified with 697 hp, 620 km range and steer-by-wire.
Tesla confirms dry cathode process may reduce cathode costs
Tesla has confirmed it has begun mass production of 4680 cells using a dry cathode process and has said the technique could significantly reduce battery cathode production costs, with a wider rollout expected across 2026–27.
SAIC launches MG 4X compact electric SUV in China
SAIC has launched the MG 4X, a compact electric SUV built on the Nebula architecture, and has priced it from 99,800 yuan, offering multiple battery, powertrain and ADAS configurations while targeting domestic and international sales growth.
VR orders 91 Scania battery-electric buses
VR has ordered 91 Scania Fencer f1 battery-electric buses and they have been scheduled to enter service from June 2027 in Södertälje; 32 4×2 and 59 6×2 units have been specified, all with 445 kWh batteries.
BYD patents composite sulphide solid-state electrolyte
BYD has filed a patent for a composite solid electrolyte membrane and has described a polymer-inorganic fibre network that has been designed to improve ionic conductivity and mechanical strength; the filing has not disclosed commercialisation timelines or performance metrics.
China's patent position in solid-state batteries
An industry analysis has found China has led global solid‑state battery patent filings but has warned that the United States, Europe, Japan and South Korea have accelerated policy support and patent deployment, risking erosion of China’s comparative advantage.
Fortescue fits out 240-tonne electric haul truck
Fortescue has fitted out a 240-tonne battery electric haul truck and has commenced commissioning of a 6 MW fast charger, and has outlined plans to deploy over 300 electric haul trucks and a renewable-powered green grid in the Pilbara.
Changan launches CS75 Plus and Eado BlueCore HEVs
Changan has launched the fourth-generation Eado and CS75 Plus BlueCore HEVs, has priced them from 79,900 yuan and 109,900 yuan respectively, and has adopted a shared 1.7 kWh battery with BlueCore hybrid control architecture.
Arcfox Beta S3 launched with CATL battery-swap support
BAIC's Arcfox has launched the Beta S3 in China, offering eight configurations with battery‑swap and charging options, and has secured over 30,000 orders since pre‑sales; BaaS monthly rentals have been priced from 399 to 599 yuan.
BYD leads China EV lawsuits by disclosed claim value
Chinese automaker BYD has led a publicly compiled tally with 6.9263 million yuan in disclosed claims against bloggers; other EV firms have also pursued legal action over alleged misinformation, defamation and reputational disputes.
Yuasa UXL GEN2 VRLA Battery for Extended Service Life
Yuasa has launched the UXL GEN2 VRLA battery for infrastructure DC power and has claimed improved lifecycle performance, thermal resilience and a temperature‑aligned warranty, with design lives of 20 years at 25°C and 10 years at 35°C.
Freudenberg introduces DIAvent maxFlow battery vent
Freudenberg has released the DIAvent maxFlow, a thermal‑runaway degassing valve for lithium‑ion vehicle batteries that has delivered over 190 litres per second at 300 mbar, has featured a 50–200 mbar adjustable trigger and has allowed non‑destructive testing.
Denza Z9 GT battery replacement priced at ¥78,700
A Denza Z9 GT owner has reported a replacement 122.5 kWh Blade Battery 2.0 has been quoted at ¥78,700 (about US$11,600), and BYD’s battery-cost advantages have been noted in industry data.
451.5 Wh/kg solid-state battery with three-minute charge
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a solid-state lithium-metal battery achieving 451.5 Wh/kg and a three-minute charge, with 700-cycle stability (81.9% retention at 20C) and a pouch cell that has passed a nail-penetration safety test.
