Chinese battery manufacturer Sunwoda Electronic Co., Ltd. and energy materials specialist Zhongwei New Materials Co., Ltd. have forged a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of high-capacity solid-state batteries for electric vehicles. The collaboration agreement, signed on December 25, 2025, will focus on the joint research and development of cathode precursor materials, cathode materials, and all-solid-state battery technologies, aiming to speed up the industrialization of next-generation energy storage systems. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Sunwoda, which supplies lithium-ion cells and modules to several domestic automakers in addition to serving consumer electronics, energy storage, and smart hardware markets, will leverage its subsidiary Sunwoda Power Technology Co., Ltd. to pool resources with Zhongwei. Together, they intend to enhance R&D and pilot production capabilities for solid-state batteries. Zhongwei brings expertise in nickel- and cobalt-based battery materials and has established research experience in solid electrolytes, cathode precursors, and related components. Its products are already in use by major Chinese automotive manufacturers.

Currently, Sunwoda’s solid-state battery lineup includes a first-generation polymer-based all-solid-state cell with an energy density of around 400 Wh/kg. A 20 Ah version of this cell has completed 1,200 cycles under low external pressure. The company has also planned a 0.2 GWh pilot production line by the end of 2025, targeting scale-up to 60 Ah cells. Through the partnership, Sunwoda and Zhongwei aim to combine their technical, engineering, and manufacturing strengths to accelerate commercial readiness.

The move aligns with a broader trend in China’s battery sector, where several leading and emerging battery makers are preparing or operating pilot lines for solid-state battery production. Notably, one automaker has already manufactured 60 Ah automotive-grade cells using sulfide-based solid electrolytes. Market analysts project global solid-state battery shipments could reach 614 GWh by 2030, with all-solid-state batteries accounting for nearly 30% of that volume.

Before moving forward, the two companies will finalize detailed project contracts—a step that underscores the industry-wide effort to transition solid-state battery technology from lab research to commercial production.