What are semi-solid-state batteries and how do they differ from lithium-ion and full solid-state cells?

Semi-solid-state batteries use a partially solidified electrolyte or hybrid architecture that combines benefits of liquid electrolyte cells and full solid-state designs. Compared with conventional lithium-ion cells, they can offer improved safety and durability; compared with full solid-state batteries, they are typically easier to scale and integrate with existing manufacturing processes.

What role does the new cathode active material (CAM) from BSBM play?

The CAM delivered by BASF Shanshan Battery Materials features ultra-high nickel content and a composite coating that stabilises the cathode/solid-electrolyte interface. This reduces resistance, boosts energy density, and extends cycle life—addressing a major technical hurdle for semi-solid and solid-state development.

Which applications are targeted for these semi-solid packs?

Welion aims to use the material in next-generation semi-solid packs for electric vehicles, large-scale energy storage systems, and compact devices such as drones and robotics where higher energy density and improved safety are valuable.

Does this milestone mean semi-solid batteries are ready for mass production?

The shipment of the first CAM batch indicates the technology is progressing from lab development into industrial supply chains, but broader commercial deployment will depend on further validation, scale-up, and integration by cell and pack manufacturers. Semi-solid designs are closer to production than full solid-state, but continued testing and manufacturing ramp-up are still required.

BASF and Welion Advance Semi‑Solid‑State Batteries Toward Production, Promising Better EV Range and Safety

2 Minutes

A production push for semi-solid-state batteries

BASF Shanshan Battery Materials (BSBM) and Chinese cell maker Welion have reached an important supply-chain milestone in the development of semi-solid-state batteries. In a collaboration that began in August 2024, BSBM has delivered the first commercial batch of cathode active materials (CAM) engineered for semi-solid architectures, marking a shift from lab prototypes toward industrial-scale manufacturing.

Product features: what’s new in the CAM

Advanced cathode chemistry

The new CAM blends ultra-high nickel content with a composite surface coating designed to stabilise the interface between cathodes and solid electrolytes. That combination targets three critical cell-level metrics: higher energy density, lower internal resistance, and improved cycle life—key attributes for EV range and long-term battery reliability.

Compatibility and scalability

Because the material is tailored for semi-solid-state pack designs, it supports existing cell assembly methods more easily than pure solid-state components, helping shorten the path to volume production.

Advantages and comparisons

Semi-solid-state batteries are being positioned as a pragmatic bridge between today’s lithium-ion technology and eventual full solid-state cells. Compared with conventional lithium-ion packs, semi-solid designs typically offer enhanced safety and better mechanical stability. Compared to full solid-state, they are easier to scale and integrate into current manufacturing lines—potentially reducing time-to-market while still improving safety and energy density.

Use cases: where semi-solid packs fit

Welion plans to incorporate these CAMs into next-generation semi-solid packs targeting several markets: electric vehicles (where extended driving range and safety are priorities), large-scale energy storage systems, and compact, high-performance applications such as drones and industrial robotics.

Market relevance and outlook

The partnership underscores the industry’s race to boost EV range and battery safety. While full solid-state batteries remain a longer-term prospect, semi-solid options are approaching commercialization. BSBM’s shipment to Welion signals that materials innovation is migrating from R&D into supply chains—an encouraging development for automakers, grid-storage providers, and component suppliers looking for near-term performance gains.

Industry voices

BSBM leadership described the delivery as a milestone for their battery materials business and a foundation for deeper collaboration. Welion’s management highlighted that the advanced CAM offers a reliable platform for advancing semi-solid pack designs into production.

Julia Bennett

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