Chinese battery manufacturer Svolt Energy has begun mass production of its new 100-kWh Dragon Armor semi-solid-state battery, marking an important step toward bringing next-generation battery technology to more electric vehicles.
The new battery supports a 900-volt electrical architecture and 6C fast charging, with Svolt claiming it can add up to 500 kilometers (311 miles) of driving range in just 12 minutes.
The first battery packs have rolled off the production line at Svolt’s facility in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, China. The company says multiple automakers have already selected the battery for potential vehicle applications, although the first models to receive it have not yet been officially announced.
The development comes as Chinese battery manufacturers accelerate efforts to improve EV charging speeds, battery safety, and long-term durability without waiting for fully solid-state batteries to become commercially widespread.
Svolt Dragon Armor Battery Promises 500 km of Range in 12 Minutes
The new 100-kWh Dragon Armor battery is designed around a 900-volt high-voltage system and supports a charging rate of up to 6C. According to Svolt chairman and CEO Yang Hongxin, the system can replenish enough energy for approximately 500 km (311 miles) of driving in 12 minutes.
If achieved under suitable real-world conditions, that charging performance could make long-distance electric vehicle travel more convenient by significantly reducing charging stops.
However, Svolt has not disclosed the specific testing conditions behind the 12-minute charging claim. Actual charging times and the amount of range recovered will depend on factors such as the vehicle’s efficiency, battery temperature, charger output, and the battery’s charging curve.
The battery also uses liquid cooling on both its upper and lower surfaces to help manage heat during high-power charging. Effective thermal management is particularly important for batteries designed to accept large amounts of energy in a short period.
Semi-Solid-State Technology Targets Better Safety and Durability
Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries that rely on liquid electrolytes, semi-solid-state batteries combine solid and liquid components in their electrolyte systems. This hybrid approach aims to deliver some of the potential safety and performance advantages associated with solid-state technology while retaining a more practical route to commercial production.
Svolt says its new battery uses a separator transfer-printing process at the cell level. The company claims this manufacturing technology improves battery safety while supporting fast charging and a longer service life.
The pack also features six layers of protective material on its underside. According to Svolt, this construction provides impact resistance three times higher than the relevant Chinese national standard.
These features are intended to improve protection against physical damage, an important consideration as automakers continue to increase battery capacity and charging power.
Nevertheless, the reported safety advantages remain manufacturer claims. Independent testing and additional technical details will be needed to establish how the battery performs in different crash, thermal, and charging scenarios.
Svolt Claims More Than 3,000 Charging Cycles
Battery longevity is another major focus of the Dragon Armor pack. Svolt says its high-speed stacking technology helps the battery achieve a cycle life exceeding 3,000 charging cycles.
The company also cites a theoretical lifetime driving distance of more than 1 million kilometers (621,000 miles).
Such a figure would be significant if confirmed in long-term vehicle use, particularly for drivers who cover high annual mileage and for commercial fleets that depend on battery durability.
However, a battery’s cycle life does not translate directly into a guaranteed vehicle lifespan. The outcome depends on factors including the definition of a charging cycle, operating temperatures, charging habits, depth of discharge, and the conditions under which the battery is tested.
Svolt has not published enough test information to independently verify its claimed lifetime performance.
Which Electric Cars Will Use Svolt’s New Battery?
Svolt has confirmed that multiple customers have nominated the 100-kWh semi-solid-state battery for their vehicles. The company has not yet identified those customers or announced a confirmed production vehicle featuring the new pack.
The battery’s connection to Great Wall Motor (GWM) makes future applications within the wider Chinese automotive industry worth watching. Svolt originated as GWM’s battery business before becoming an independent company in 2018, although it has continued to maintain close commercial ties with the automaker.
The Wey V8X battery-electric crossover has been mentioned as a possible early application in industry reporting, but this has not been officially confirmed by Svolt.
Further announcements should clarify which vehicles will use the battery, when those models will enter production, and whether the technology will initially be limited to premium EVs or expand into more affordable segments.
Svolt Plans to Expand Semi-Solid-State Battery Production
Svolt announced plans for large-scale production of its 100-kWh semi-solid-state batteries earlier in 2026, initially targeting September for the first production output. The company has now confirmed that the first batch has rolled off the production line in October.
The manufacturer has also argued that semi-solid-state batteries could become a long-term technology rather than simply a temporary step toward fully solid-state batteries. It previously indicated that production costs could be comparable to those of conventional lithium-ion batteries using liquid electrolytes, although actual costs and commercial pricing have not been disclosed.
Svolt plans to transition its ternary battery cells toward hybrid solid-liquid technology by the end of 2027. It is also targeting a third-generation hybrid solid-liquid battery technology for 2028.
The company’s strategy reflects a broader industry challenge: fully solid-state batteries promise substantial potential improvements, but manufacturing at automotive scale remains difficult. Semi-solid-state designs offer battery makers an alternative that could reach vehicles sooner while development of fully solid electrolytes continues.
[source: CarNewsChina]
