Lipure Energy Funds Solid-State Battery Production in China

Lipure Energy, a Chinese startup focused on next-generation solid-state batteries, has successfully closed an additional pre-Series A funding round, securing several tens of millions of yuan (hundreds of millions of yen) from E-Town Capital. This capital infusion is earmarked for advancing product development, expanding market reach, and constructing manufacturing facilities, signaling a significant step towards commercializing their innovative battery technology.

Established in May 2022, Lipure Energy has rapidly progressed from a small pilot line in Beijing’s Yizhuang Town to initiating mass production of 50Ah solid-state battery cells in October 2024. Their first-generation solid-state batteries, launched in 2025, have already achieved safety certification from a CNAS-accredited institution, demonstrating a commitment to rigorous quality and safety standards. The company's strategic focus initially targets the energy storage market, with ongoing validation for low-speed mobility applications.

The core challenge in solid-state battery manufacturing – achieving robust interfacial contact between the solid electrolyte and electrodes, often termed the 'solid-solid contact' issue – is addressed by Lipure Energy's proprietary organic-inorganic composite solid electrolyte. This hybrid material combines the high ionic conductivity of oxides with the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of polymers. Founder Yang Fan highlighted the company's success in independently developing both a terpolymer and a novel oxide material, achieving effective bonding between them.

A key technological differentiator is Lipure Energy's 'supercritical coating' technique. This method utilizes materials in a supercritical state – a phase that is neither strictly liquid nor gas – to ensure uniform penetration into the particle gaps of the electrode materials. This process effectively mimics the wetting behavior of liquid electrolytes, overcoming a major hurdle in solid-state battery performance. Crucially, batteries developed with this technology do not require external heating or pressure during operation, a significant advantage for commercial viability.

The initial product line, employing lithium iron phosphate cathodes and graphite anodes, boasts an energy density exceeding 200 Wh/kg and a cycle life of 6,000 to 8,000 cycles. With a 1C charge/discharge rate, these cells are suitable for applications such as two-wheeled vehicles, low-speed mobility, and energy storage systems. Lipure Energy reports substantial cost reductions already achieved through high yields and lower raw material prices, with further economies of scale anticipated as production capacity expands. The company is actively collaborating with major energy players like SPIC, State Grid, and Beijing Energy Holding on energy storage projects.

Looking ahead, Lipure Energy is constructing a 1GWh production line, slated to commence operations within 2026. The company aims to surpass 100 million yuan in revenue in 2026, while simultaneously developing higher energy density products for broader applications, including power batteries for consumer electronics, drones, robots, and portable power solutions. This strategic expansion positions Lipure Energy to capitalize on the projected growth in the solid-state battery market, which industry reports suggest could see small-scale mass production by 2027 and larger shipments by 2030.