WeLion
{{Short description|Chinese battery manufacturer}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Beijing WeLion New Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
| logo = WeLion logo.webp
| trading_name = WeLion New Energy
| native_name = 北京卫蓝新能源科技有限公司
| native_name_lang = zh
| type = Private
| industry = Electric batteries
| founded = {{Start date and age|2016}}
| founder = {{unbulleted list
|Li Hong
|Chen Liquan
|Lu Huigen
}}
| hq_location_city = Fanshang, Beijing
| hq_location_country = China
| website = {{URL|solidstatelion.com/en}}
}}
Beijing WeLion New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., known simply as WeLion New Energy or WeLion (Mandarin: 卫蓝; pinyin: Wèilán), is a Chinese battery manufacturer specializing in semi-solid and solid state batteries for use in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The company is headquartered in the Beijing's Fangshan District, and is a spinoff from the Laboratory of Renewable Energy of the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.{{Cite web |title=Ronbay Will Supply Cathode Materials to WeLion for Development of Solid-State EV Batteries - EnergyTrend |url=https://www.energytrend.com/news/20220503-28361.html |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=www.energytrend.com}} It is best known for supplying the world's first mass produced semi-solid state battery cells for an automotive traction battery application, in the form of Nio's 150{{Nbsp}}kWh swappable battery pack.
History
In August 2021, WeLion received a {{Currency|500 million|rmb|passthrough=yes}} (approximately {{Currency|78 million|usd|passthrough=yes}}) investment from Geely, Huawei and Xiaomi. The investments are from Hubei Xiaomi Yangtze River Industry Investment Fund Partners (Changjiang Industrial Fund and Xiaomi fund launched in 2017) and Shenzhen Hubble Technology Investment Partners (a Huawei venture capital subsidiary), and Ningbo Geely Blue Initiative Business Management Partners (a Geely Holding Group subsidiary). The investments put WeLion's valuation at {{Currency|5 billion|rmb|passthrough=yes}} (approximately {{Currency|780 million|usd|passthrough=yes}}).{{Cite web |title=Xiaomi, Huawei, Geely-backed firms invest in solid-state battery maker WeLion |url=https://autonews.gasgoo.com/m/70019986.html |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=autonews.gasgoo.com}}{{Cite web |last=Zhang |first=Phate |date=2022-03-28 |title=Nio's semi-solid-state battery supplier WeLion secures investments from Xiaomi, Huawei |url=https://cnevpost.com/2022/03/28/nios-semi-solid-state-battery-supplier-welion-secures-investment-from-xiaomi-huawei/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=CnEVPost |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Pandaily |date=2021-11-26 |title=Xiaomi and Huawei to Invest in NIO Battery Supplier Welion New Energy, Sources Say |url=https://pandaily.com/xiaomi-and-huawei-to-invest-in-nio-battery-supplier-welion-new-energy-sources-say/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=Pandaily |language=en-US}}
On November 4, 2022 WeLion disclosed that it had secured {{Currency|1.5 billion|rmb|passthrough=yes}} (approximately {{Currency|209 million|usd|passthrough=yes}}) in Series D financing.{{Cite web |last=Kang |first=Lei |date=2022-11-07 |title=Nio's semi-solid-state battery supplier WeLion closes about $200 million in new funding |url=https://cnevpost.com/2022/11/07/welion-closes-200-million-new-funding/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=CnEVPost |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=China's Welion snags $206m in a Series D round to expand its production line |url=https://www.dealstreetasia.com/stories/chinas-welion-snags-206m-in-a-series-d-round-to-expand-its-production-line-314852 |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=DealStreetAsia |language=en}}{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-11-15 |title=WeLion collects €200 million in funding |url=https://batteryindustry.net/welion-collects-e200-million-in-funding/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=BatteryIndustry.net |language=en-GB}}
Partnerships
= Nio =
On January 9 2021 at Nio's 'Nio Day 2020' event, Nio announced that a 150{{Nbsp}}kWh semi-solid state battery pack would later be made available. Later, it was revealed that WeLion would be the supplier of the battery cells. On June 30, 2023, Nio received the first shipments of the battery cells, and the packs first became available for rent by the public in mid-2024. The semi-solid state battery cells allow for a 50% higher energy capacity, with an energy density of 360{{Nbsp}}Wh/kg, in the same dimensions compared to a conventional pack, with only a minor {{Convert|20|kg|lb|adj=on}} weight increase, allowing for a range of {{Convert|1050|km|mi|adj=on}} range in the ET7 sedan.
= Tianqi Lithium =
On May 20, 2021 WeLion signed an agreement with a subsidiary of Tianqi Lithium to form a joint venture. The aim of the joint venture is to develop, produce and sell lithium anode materials, and manufacturing equipment and ingredients for battery pre-lithiation processes.{{Cite web |last=Zhang |first=Phate |date=2022-05-21 |title=Lithium giant Tianqi to form JV with Nio's semi-solid-state battery supplier WeLion |url=https://cnevpost.com/2022/05/21/lithium-giant-tianqi-to-form-jv-with-nios-semi-solid-state-battery-supplier-welion/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=CnEVPost |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Zhang |first=Phate |date=2022-08-19 |title=Tianqi Lithium forms JV with Nio's solid-state battery supplier WeLion |url=https://cnevpost.com/2022/08/19/tianqi-forms-jv-with-nio-solid-state-battery-supplier-welion/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=CnEVPost |language=en-US}}
= Ronbay Technology =
In April 2022, WeLion signed a five-year agreement with Ronbay Technology for the supply of at least 30,000 tons of battery cathode materials. The agreement stipulates that Ronbay will be WeLion's primary supplier of high-nickel cathode materials for use in NMC chemistry solid-state batteries.{{Cite web |last=Zhang |first=Phate |date=2022-04-26 |title=Nio's semi-solid-state battery supplier WeLion signs deal for 30,000 tons of cathode material |url=https://cnevpost.com/2022/04/26/nios-semi-solid-state-battery-supplier-welion-signs-deal-for-30000-tons-of-cathode-material/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=CnEVPost |language=en-US}}
= JAC Yiwei =
On April 22, 2024 WeLion and JAC signed an agreement for the supply of semi-solid state battery cells for use in Yiwei brand cars. The batteries will be cylindrical 4695 format cells, and will be used in Yiwei's second generation DI platform, with the first vehicle expected to launch in 2025.{{Cite web |last=raza |date=2024-04-24 |title=Nio - semi-solid-state battery supplier WeLion and JAC unit to jointly make EVs with up to 1,000 km range |url=https://batteriesnews.com/nio-semi-solid-state-battery-supplier-welion-and-jac-unit-to-jointly-make-evs-with-up-to-1000-km-range/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=Batteries News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Kang |first=Lei |date=2024-04-24 |title=Nio's semi-solid-state battery supplier WeLion and JAC unit to jointly make EVs with up to 1,000 km range |url=https://cnevpost.com/2024/04/24/welion-jac-yiwei-to-jointly-make-evs-with-up-to-1000-km-range/ |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=CnEVPost |language=en-US}}
= Longquan Energy Storage =
On June 6, 2024 the Longquan Energy Storage project located near Longquan, Zhejiang was connected to the grid. The now operational first phase has a capacity of 200{{Nbsp}}MWh and an output of 100{{Nbsp}}MW and uses WeLion's semi-solid state cells, making it the world's first large scale use of semi-solid state batteries in a battery energy storage system context. The project is run by state-owned Power China, and is eventually planned to have a 400{{Nbsp}}MWh capacity and 200{{Nbsp}}MW output on the 40-acre site. It uses LFP solid-liquid hybrid electrolyte battery cells with a cell capacity of 280{{Nbsp}}Ah, energy density of 165{{Nbsp}}Wh/kg, a rated lifespan of 6000 cycles, and an operating range between {{Convert|-20-60|C|F|abbr=unit}}. Annual discharge is estimated to be over 60,000{{Nbsp}}GWh.{{Cite web |title=World's first large scale semi-solid-state energy storage project connected to the grid (Industry update) |url=https://rhomotion.com/news/worlds-first-large-scale-semi-solid-state-energy-storage-project-connected-to-the-grid-industry-update/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=Rho Motion |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Maisch |first=Marija |date=2024-07-05 |title=World's first grid-scale, semi-solid-state energy storage project goes online |url=https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/07/05/worlds-first-grid-scale-semi-solid-state-energy-storage-project-goes-online/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=pv magazine International |language=en-US}}
Facilities
WeLion is headquartered in Beijing and currently has four production facilities located throughout China.{{Cite web |title=北京卫蓝新能源科技股份有限公司 |url=https://www.solidstatelion.com/about/ |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=www.solidstatelion.com}}
| class="wikitable"
|+Facilities !Location !Operations !Size !Capacity !Build Date |
| rowspan="3" |Fangshan, Beijing
|Headquarters | rowspan="3" |4.66 + 10.1{{Nbsp}}ha (70 + 151{{Nbsp}}mu) | rowspan="2" |{{en dash}} |{{en dash}} |
| Primary R&D center
|{{en dash}} |
| Solid-state battery manufacturing
|8{{Nbsp}}GWh |2025 |
| Zibo, Shandong
|Semi-solid & solid state battery manufacturing |36.6{{Nbsp}}ha |20{{Nbsp}}GWh (Phase 1) 100{{Nbsp}}GWh (completion) |September 2023 (Phase 1) |
| Liyang, Jiangsu
|Low cost non-aviation device battery manufacturing |2.53{{Nbsp}}ha (38{{Nbsp}}mu) |0.2{{Nbsp}}GWh |August 2020 |
| rowspan="2" |Huzhou, Zhejiang
|Automotive battery manufacturing | rowspan="2" |4.66 + 33.3{{Nbsp}}ha (70 + 500{{Nbsp}}mu) |2 + 20{{Nbsp}}GWh |Q3 2022 + Q4 2025 |
| Satellite R&D center
|{{en dash}} |July 2023 |
| Shaoxing, Zhejiang
|Battery materials manufacturing |1.5{{Nbsp}}ha |10{{Nbsp}}kiloton |End of 2023 |
| Shenzhen, Guangzhou
|Satellite R&D and solid-state testing center |5742{{Nbsp}}m2 |0.6{{Nbsp}}GWh |March 2025 |
= Beijing Fangshan Base =
- Headquarters, R&D and solid-state battery mass production
- 4.66 + 10.1{{Nbsp}}ha
- 8{{Nbsp}}GWh capacity
- 2025
= Zibo Base, Shandong =
- Energy storage base
- (550{{Nbsp}}mu)
- 20{{Nbsp}}GWh capacity (energy storage applications)
- September 2023 (Phase 1)
- semi-solid state and solid state battery cells
On February 25, 2022 WeLion held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new battery factory project in the city of Zibo located in eastern Shandong.{{Cite web |title=Rumoured Nio supplier WeLion to make solid-state cells in Zibo |url=https://www.electrive.com/2022/03/03/rumoured-nio-supplier-welion-to-make-solid-state-cells-in-zibo/ |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=electrive.com |language=en-US}} The project involves a total investment of {{Currency|40 billion|rmb|passthrough=yes}} ({{Currency|6.3 billion|usd|passthrough=yes}}) in a 550{{Nbsp}}mu (36.7{{Nbsp}}ha) facility, resulting in a projected annual capacity of 100 GWh. The first phase of the project involved {{Currency|10.2 billion|rmb|passthrough=yes}} ({{Currency|1.61 billion|usd|passthrough=yes}}) of investment and is be capable of 20 GWh of annual capacity, and was completed in September 2023; it will manufacture semi-solid and solid-state batteries. At the time, WeLion claimed that the facility has the highest safety factor and energy density in China.{{Cite web |last=Zhang |first=Phate |date=2022-03-02 |title=WeLion, Nio's rumored solid-state battery supplier, starts construction of 100 GWh project |url=https://cnevpost.com/2022/03/02/welion-nios-rumored-solid-state-battery-supplier-starts-construction-of-100-gwh-project/ |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=CnEVPost |language=en-US}}
= Liyang, Jiangsu Base =
= Huzhou, Zhejiang base =
- Car power base
- 4.66 + 33.3{{Nbsp}}ha
- 2 + 20{{Nbsp}}GWh capacity
- Q3 2022 + Q4 2025
This facility manufactures semi-solid state power batteries for use in electric vehicles. Construction of this factory in Huzhou, Zhejiang began in 2021, and was completed in Q3 of 2022. On November 22, 2022 WeLion held a ceremony commemorating the production of the first battery cell on the production line at the facility.{{Cite web |last=Zhang |first=Phate |date=2022-11-24 |title=Nio supplier WeLion sees 1st solid-state battery cell roll off line |url=https://cnevpost.com/2022/11/24/nio-supplier-welion-1st-solid-state-cell-roll-off-line/ |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=CnEVPost |language=en-US}} On June 30, 2023 WeLion held a ceremony at the Huzhou factory for their first delivery of battery cells to Nio. The cells use a semi-solid state electrolyte, and have an energy density of 360{{Nbsp}}Wh/kg, and are used in a 150{{Nbsp}}kWh swappable battery pack made by Nio.{{Cite web |title=WeLion completed its first semi-solid-state battery cell |url=https://www.electrive.com/2022/11/25/welion-completed-its-first-semi-solid-state-battery-cell/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=electrive.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Zhang |first=Phate |date=2023-07-01 |title=Nio starts to get cells from WeLion, as deliveries of 150-kWh batteries set to begin in Jul |url=https://cnevpost.com/2023/07/01/nio-gets-cells-from-welion-150-kwh-to-begin-july/ |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=CnEVPost |language=en-US}}
WeLion's R&D center for the Yangtze River Delta region is also located in Huzhou, and its completion was also announced at the ceremony.
== Shaoxing, Zhejiang pulp base ==
- Solid state materials and solid state battery production base project
- 1.5{{Nbsp}}ha
- 10,000 tons capacity
- End of 2023 production date
Supplies battery materials for final manufacture at the nearby Huzhou factory.
= Shenzhen Pingshan, Guangdong =
- Solid-state battery R&D base
- 5742{{Nbsp}}m2
- 600{{Nbsp}}MWh capacity
- March 2025