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Huawei, a giant of technologies, recently made an announcement that could transform the electric vehicle industry. By presenting a battery capable of providing an autonomy of 3,000 kilometers with a recharging of only five minutes, Huawei is not content to push the limits of current technology, but aims to become an essential player in this strategic sector. This innovation is based on an architecture based on sulfide doped with nitrogen, which could well be the key to securing Huawei’s position in this expanding market.
China accelerates in the race for the batteries of the future
China does not hide its ambitions to dominate the new generation battery market. By focusing on solid batteries technology, the country has embarked on a frantic race to surpass its competitors. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, solid batteries use a solid electrolyte which gives them increased stability and performance. In 2023, Toyota had already presented a promising prototype, but China quickly caught up. With more than 7,600 patents filed each year in this area, China represents a third of world activity.
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The support of the Chinese state to innovation is undeniable, with efforts to reduce dependence on large suppliers such as Catl or Byd. Mastering batteries has become a major economic issue, in particular because the battery represents more than half of the cost of an electric vehicle. This dynamic allows China to position itself as a leader, with companies such as Catl, Xiaomi and Welion which already develop advanced prototypes.
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Huawei wins at the heart of the Battle of Patents for the Solid Battery
By filing a patent for a solid sulfide -based battery, Huawei takes a significant step in the race for innovation. According to the company, this battery could offer a range of 3,000 kilometers with a complete recharge in just five minutes. This impressive result would be made possible thanks to an energy density of 400 to 500 WH/kg, thus doubling that of current technologies.
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Huawei is not content to increase figures, but also innovates by adding nitrogen in solid electrolyte. This process aims to stabilize electrochemical reactions, thus meeting the instability often encountered with solid batteries. Although Huawei does not produce its own batteries, the company relies on expensive critical materials, such as sulfide electrolytes. This vertical integration strategy, shared by other Chinese companies such as Nio or Xiaomi, allows Huawei to remain a key player in the sector.
Why the West looks at the Energy Ambitions of Beijing
Huawei’s announcement has aroused mixed reactions in the West. If the autonomy of 3,000 kilometers and ultra-fast recharge seem impressive, the skeptics point out that these figures are still in the laboratory. Current infrastructure does not yet support such performance, and the high cost of the kilowatt hour in solid batteries, estimated between 950 and € 1,200, remains a significant brake.
Despite these obstacles, Huawei’s initiative does not go unnoticed. Japan, with its investments in solid batteries with Panasonic and Toyota, sees China as a formidable rival. South Korea, with Samsung SDI, shares this apprehension. In Europe, although some start-ups emerge, the continent struggles to compete with Asian giants. Huawei, with its advances, sends a strong signal. Even if the performances have not yet been validated on the market, the company is already established as a central player in the energy transition.
Faced with these innovations, the question arises: how far will Huawei push the limits of battery technology, and what impact will this have on the global automotive industry?
The author relied on artificial intelligence to enrich this article.
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