GAC Unveils 60+ Ah Solid-State EV Cells Boosting EV Range 2X

China’s GAC Group has developed what is the country’s first pilot production line capable of manufacturing large solid state electric vehicle (EV) battery cells with capacities exceeding 60 ampere-hours (Ah). 

While the line is not yet ready for mass production and will initially produce small batches for testing, the advancement marks China’s move from lab-scale innovation toward early industrialisation of solid-state battery technology. This is seemingly the first step in bringing the country head-to-head with established players from Japan, the US, and Korea.

What Does 60 Ah Capacity Mean?

An ampere-hour (Ah) measures the electric charge a battery can deliver over a certain period of time. A 60 Ah battery cell can provide 60 amps for one hour or lower current over longer periods. 

Most current EV pouch cells range between 40-50 Ah, so GAC’s 60+ Ah cells represent a larger capacity, offering higher pack energy, fewer cells per battery pack, and potential reductions in cost and weight. These are key advantages for large-format EV batteries.

Advantages of Solid-State Batteries

Unlike traditional lithium-ion cells that use liquid electrolytes, solid state batteries employ a solid electrolyte, resulting in higher energy density and improved safety with reduced fire risks. 

GAC claims its solid state cells can operate stably at high temperatures (300-400 °C) and nearly double the energy density of current conventional cells. This could potentially extend the range of a 311-mile EV to 621 miles on the same battery size.

Manufacturing Breakthrough: High Areal Capacity

GAC’s pilot line achieves an areal capacity of 7.7 mAh/cm², surpassing the typical limit of 5 mAh/cm² in conventional cells. 

Areal capacity is critical as it determines how thick electrodes can be manufactured to store more energy without cracking or failing during production.

GAC intends to start small-scale vehicle testing by 2026, with hopes to scale commercial production between 2027 and 2030. These milestones depend on market acceptance, advancements in the solid electrolyte supply chain, and further cost reductions.