Huawei Patents 3,000km Solid-State Battery with 5-Minute Charging, Sparking Industry Competition

Huawei’s 3,000km Solid-State Battery Patent with 5-Minute Charge Ignites Industry Race
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Huawei has intensified its ambitions in advanced energy storage by patenting a sulfide-based solid-state battery capable of achieving driving ranges of up to 3,000 kilometres and ultra-fast charging in just five minutes. This development marks a significant move by the tech giant to establish a strong presence in the rapidly evolving solid-state battery sector.

The patent describes a solid-state battery architecture with energy densities ranging from 400 to 500 Wh/kg, which could be two to three times greater than that of conventional lithium-ion batteries. The filing also introduces an innovative method to enhance electrochemical stability by doping sulfide electrolytes with nitrogen, addressing side reactions at the lithium interface—a long-standing barrier to the commercialization of sulfide-based batteries. Huawei’s design aims to improve safety and cycle life by reducing degradation at this crucial junction.

Huawei’s engagement in solid-state battery research reflects a wider trend among Chinese technology and automotive companies. Although Huawei does not manufacture power batteries directly, its growing interest in upstream battery materials is notable. Earlier in 2025, the company submitted another patent focused on synthesizing sulfide electrolytes—a vital component known for its high conductivity but also high costs, sometimes exceeding the price of gold.

China’s electric vehicle (EV) and technology sectors are aggressively investigating solid-state battery technologies to lessen dependence on established battery suppliers like CATL and BYD. Companies such as Xiaomi and Nio, which rely on third-party battery manufacturers, are actively pursuing vertical integration to regain control over this expensive component, which can account for more than half of an EV’s production cost. Recently, Xiaomi filed a patent for a composite electrode structure aimed at optimizing ion transport, highlighting the strategic importance Chinese tech firms place on battery innovation, not only for vehicles but also for mobile electronics.

While Huawei’s assertions of a 3,000-kilometre range and five-minute charging have attracted significant attention, experts caution that such figures remain theoretical and would necessitate charging infrastructure that is currently not commercially available. Nevertheless, the technical potential of Huawei’s innovations has reignited interest and concern among global competitors. Media outlets in Japan and South Korea have expressed worry about China’s rapidly advancing lead in next-generation battery technologies.

Traditional leaders in the industry, including Toyota, Panasonic, and Samsung, have invested in solid-state battery research and development for over a decade. For instance, Toyota showcased a prototype in 2023, claiming a 1,200-kilometre range and a 10-minute charge time, with an aim to commercialize it within five years. However, China has made swift advancements. According to public data, Chinese entities now file over 7,600 solid-state battery patents annually, accounting for 36.7% of global activity. Meanwhile, Chinese battery manufacturers are gearing up for industrialization. CATL plans to initiate pilot production of a hybrid solid-state battery by 2027, while Going High-Tech’s “Jinshi” battery, featuring an energy density of 350 Wh/kg and a volume density of 800 Wh/L, has entered small-scale production. Additionally, Beijing WeLion has commenced the manufacture of a 50 Ah all-solid-state cell with national certification.

However, several challenges persist. Solid electrolytes typically exhibit lower ionic conductivity compared to their liquid counterparts, and interfacial resistance continues to limit efficiency. High production costs, currently estimated between 8,000 and 10,000 yuan per kWh (approximately 1,100–1,400 USD), impede mass-market adoption. Nonetheless, Huawei’s entry into this field adds momentum to China’s efforts to take the lead in the next wave of battery innovation. If breakthroughs like this can be successfully commercialized, they may redefine the landscape of electric mobility, alleviating range anxiety, reducing charging times, and fostering a new level of energy independence for both automakers and tech firms. The realization of these ambitious promises will depend on how quickly laboratory results can be transformed into scalable manufacturing processes.