Who said SAIC is not doing well?
China Daily reported on May 30th that China intends to invest 6 billion yuan to support the research and development of all-solid-state batteries. The first batch of beneficiary companies includes BYD, CATL, SAIC, FAW, WeLan New Energy, and Geely.
On May 24th, at SAIC Group's "New Decade" new energy technology launch, SAIC announced that the mass production of all-solid-state batteries is scheduled for 2026, with an energy density expected to exceed 400 wh/kg.
Solid-state batteries are considered the future direction of battery development due to their higher safety and stability compared to lithium batteries. However, at present, countries like Japan have more mature patents and technologies. For China to maintain a leading position in the new energy field, it is inevitable to focus on the all-solid-state battery technology route. From the list of the first batch of beneficiary companies, SAIC and FAW, representing the national team, along with leading private enterprises and cutting-edge battery companies, have become the front-runners in China's all-solid-state battery field.
At SAIC Group's "New Decade" new energy technology launch, the description of solid-state batteries was more explicit. SAIC's all-solid-state batteries are based on the polymer-inorganic composite electrolyte technology route, with the main advantages including:
1. Higher energy density: The energy density exceeds 400wh/kg, more than double that of traditional power batteries, with a volumetric energy density exceeding 820wh/L, and the battery capacity can exceed 75Ah.2. Enhanced Safety Performance: Under conditions of needle puncture and exposure to a 200°C thermal chamber, it ensures that the battery cells do not catch fire or explode.
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3. Wider Applicability: The solid-state battery maintains a capacity retention rate of over 90% at low temperatures.
4. Lower Material Costs: Based on material and process simplification and innovation, the unit cost can be reduced by up to 40% from the battery cell end to the PACK end.
Adjust the timeline just a bit earlier—on May 13th, the IM L6 officially hit the market. The "Light Year Solid-State Battery" equipped in the IM L6 Anniversary Edition is not a fully solid-state battery, but rather a semi-solid-state battery with an energy density exceeding 300Wh/kg (officially referred to as the Light Year Solid-State Battery). Although not fully solid-state, it still boasts an energy density more than 50% higher than conventional power batteries, coupled with a driving range of over 1000 kilometers, a quasi-900V platform, and ultra-fast charging capabilities, making it a game-changer in its segment.
The IM L6 is the pure electric vehicle with the highest energy density currently available to consumers—and its price is not out of reach, starting at only 325,900 yuan, comparable to the price of top-tier dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations in the same class of pure electric sedans.Cutting-edge technology, benefiting users, is a testament to SAIC Motor's maturity and confidence in solid-state battery technology at present.
At the "New Decade" new energy technology conference of SAIC Motor Group, it was also announced that in October this year, the Zhiji L6 equipped with Guangnian solid-state batteries will be officially delivered to customers; by 2026, all-solid-state batteries will be delivered for mass production and complete prototype testing; by 2027, the new Zhiji vehicle equipped with all-solid-state batteries will achieve mass production and be officially delivered to customers.
In addition, SAIC also announced that subsequently, the energy density of its all-solid-state batteries is expected to be further increased to 500Wh/kg.
Returning to the question posed in the article's title: Currently, in the entire market, there is a voice that suggests that established giants like SAIC are "not up to par." However, just looking at the example of solid-state batteries,
Where is SAIC not up to par?01
Sales Volume
To discuss the success, one must first mention sales volume.
In 2023, SAIC Group sold 5.02 million vehicles, maintaining its leading position in the domestic market; the sales of new energy vehicles reached 1.123 million, ranking second among domestic automakers.
In 2023, SAIC Group's overseas sales volume for the year reached 1.208 million, securing the top spot in the domestic industry for the eighth consecutive year. Additionally, in 2023, SAIC Group ranked 84th in the Fortune Global 500 for the 19th time, with products and services spanning over 100 countries and regions worldwide.In 2024, the latest public data shows that in April 2024, SAIC Group's new energy vehicle sector performed impressively, with sales reaching 74,590 units, a growth of 9.33%; from January to April, a cumulative total of 284,723 units were sold, marking a 35.37% increase, securing the second place in China's automotive industry in terms of new energy vehicle sales volume. Additionally, SAIC Group's overseas market performance remains stable, with a total export of 92,061 vehicles in April, a steady year-on-year increase of 2.70%.
It cannot be denied that the fuel vehicle segment under SAIC Group has experienced a decline, but in the new energy sector, relying on new models and cutting-edge technology to cultivate market reputation, SAIC Group's upward momentum in the new battlefield can only be described as just beginning.
The "New Decade" new energy technology launch event for SAIC Group, targeting the new battlefield, is a clarion call to charge forward.
02
Intelligence
When it comes to traditional major manufacturers, they are often belittled for being lagging in intelligence. However, by looking at the new intelligent electric products represented by IM Motors, a brand under SAIC, you will understand why, in terms of intelligence, you can always trust the "financial power" and determination of SAIC, a major manufacturer.At the "Towards a New Decade" launch event, SAIC Motor deconstructed the entire vehicle system into: perception, cloud super brain, cerebrum and cerebellum, and line control actuation mechanisms. Then, following the architecture of an intelligent human, the system was "reconstructed":
Integrate the perception architecture to digitize scene information;
The "cloud super brain" deploys AI large models for self-learning and evolution;
The learning outcomes are distilled to the edge-side "smart brain", which makes planning decisions based on the scene;
The "agile cerebellum" coordinates the line control chassis for real-time, reliable, and stable movement in three directions and six degrees of freedom;
The ultimate goal is to transform the intelligent electric vehicle into a high-speed mobile intelligent robot.SAIC ZeroBeam Technology has clearly defined the roadmap for the full-stack architecture of smart vehicle cloud management and end devices: ZeroBeam Galaxy Smart Vehicle Full-Stack Solution 1.0 achieves "domain centralization," focusing on the development of L2++ intelligent driving, intelligent cockpits, and OTA (Over-The-Air updates);
The full-stack 3.0 achieves "centralized control with regional management," focusing on cost control and L3-level autonomous driving; while the future full-stack 4.0 solution will focus on architecture similar to intelligent beings, AI large models, AI OS, supporting L4/L5 level autonomous driving.
Currently, the Galaxy Full-Stack 3.0 is being phased in "onboard," and it will be fully implemented by 2025. It will effectively reduce the low-voltage power consumption of the entire vehicle, reduce the number of controllers by more than half, increase data bandwidth by 5 times, reduce the length of wiring harnesses by 30%, and both OTA download and installation times can be shortened to within 30 minutes.
My greatest sentiment is that every figure announced by SAIC points to stronger underlying technology—not superficial surface features. In fact, only by relying on more intelligent cooperation between the big and small brains, smarter experiences, especially those that are iteratively evolving and beyond consumer expectations, can there be a foundation for realization.
03
ArchitectureThe Zhiji L6's quasi-900V architecture is already the current ceiling among pure electric mass-produced models, and the entire SAIC Motor Group's "Nebula" pure electric exclusive series platform can also achieve a wider range of vehicle gradient coverage.
Not only does it cover the luxury and mid-range car markets, but it also targets the needs of entry-level market users, with a comprehensive upgrade to the platform. In terms of strength, the advantages of the "Nebula" pure electric exclusive series platform include:
1. In terms of whole vehicle power consumption, the new Nebula platform's "one degree of electricity driving range" challenges the industry-leading goal of 12 kilometers, an increase of over 30% compared to the current level;
2. The application of the line control chassis improves the whole vehicle braking response speed by 40%, and the whole vehicle driving stability boundary by 20%. Through four-wheel independent control, it achieves an increase in whole vehicle handling, an increase in whole vehicle endurance by more than 3%, and a reduction in whole vehicle weight by more than 3%. By achieving a low-speed steering angle of less than 180°, it supports the storage of the steering wheel, improving the cabin space;
3. In terms of whole vehicle safety, the new Nebula platform meets the European five-star collision safety standards, complies with global network data security regulations such as UNECE R155 & ECE R156 and GDPR, and innovatively applies the "inherent safety" theory in product design, significantly improving the security of networks and data, and reducing the risks and losses caused by external attacks or internal vulnerabilities.In addition to the pure electric dedicated platform named "Nebula," SAIC Motor also has a mechatronics integrated vehicle architecture named "Everest" and an integrated electric-hydrogen vehicle architecture named "Galaxy."
The all-new "Everest" mechatronics integrated vehicle architecture achieves full scenario coverage, targeting all scenarios, all-weather conditions, and the global market. The Everest architecture transitions from "engine as the main drive" to "electric motor as the main drive," and from "oil hybrid" to "electric hybrid" products, covering all aspects and seamlessly linking the transition from "oil" to "electric."
On the "Everest" architecture, the highest oil-electric conversion efficiency exceeds 3.75kWh/L, which is significantly better than the industry's mainstream competitive products. Furthermore, "Everest" has achieved a high level of low emissions. SAIC Motor will be the first Chinese automotive company to achieve carbon emissions below 100g/km in Europe, and the Everest architecture products will meet the Euro 7 emission standards.
The all-new "Galaxy" integrated electric-hydrogen vehicle architecture focuses on the use scenarios of hydrogen fuel cell passenger cars, pioneering an extended-range hydrogen fuel cell passenger car architecture solution, truly achieving "zero carbon, zero emissions."
The extended-range hydrogen fuel cell solution refers to using the hydrogen fuel cell as a range extender, with the power battery and drive motor in series as the driving unit of the vehicle. SAIC's research and development and industrialization of hydrogen fuel cells have been ongoing for nearly 20 years. The mass-produced fuel cell stack technology is leading globally, and the core components and materials of the fuel cell stack have been fully domesticated. The extended-range fuel cell stack P4M system has a rated power of 45kW, with an efficiency greater than 50% at the common operating point and a peak efficiency exceeding 55%. The research and development and industrialization of extended-range hydrogen fuel cell passenger cars are expected to further accelerate the promotion and popularization of the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle industry.It can be observed that the "Nebula," "Everest," and "Galaxy" three major vehicle architectures have achieved comprehensive coverage from pure electric to hybrid to hydrogen fuel cell technologies.
From the vastness of the Earth to the vastness of the universe, and from the extremely romantic naming, SAIC Group has placed its strong inner confidence and eager hope for the future.
04
Powertrain
In addition to the leading core technology of solid-state batteries mentioned at the beginning of the article, SAIC Group also possesses two major core powertrains: the brand-new "Blue Core" hybrid powertrain and the brand-new "Green Core" electric drive powertrain.The "Blue Core" hybrid powertrain focuses on modular, integrated, and exclusive DMH super hybrid technology, which has achieved a breakthrough in performance.
For instance, the Roewe D7 DMH is equipped with a higher integration precision coaxial clutch, a hybrid-specific engine with a high thermal efficiency operating range of up to 85%, and an industry-first PICU module that integrates engine, transmission, hybrid strategy, thermal management, air conditioning, and other controls in one unit. In real-world testing, it achieved a maximum driving range of 1962 kilometers, with a fuel consumption of only 2.8L per 100 kilometers.
In the future, the efficiency of the next generation "Blue Core" powertrain will be further increased by 10%. The thermal efficiency of the hybrid-specific engine will exceed 46%, and the hybrid transmission will adopt a new "dual coaxial scheme". The new "energy control brain" will more accurately facilitate the conversion of thermal, chemical, electrical, and mechanical energy.
The all-new "Green Core" electric drive system has undergone technological iteration, resulting in a further leap in performance.
After iteration, the NPC shaft has applied a unique grid-pattern oil cooling technology and features a magnesium alloy casing for ultimate lightweight design, with the total weight of the assembly being only 86kg, which is the highest level in the domestic market for the same power range.The "Green Core" motor has an effective power density exceeding 9.5kW/kg, which is already higher than the national "2035 planning target" of 7kW/kg; the total power density has been increased to 4.4kW/kg, leading the industry average by at least 40%.
05
Driver's Summary
From SAIC Motor's "New Decade" new energy technology release conference, numerous technical information was presented one after another. After watching the entire event, my biggest takeaway is that there is an abundance of brain-busting, practical content and a scarcity of emotionally stirring slogans.For the audience, the release of such technology may inevitably be dull and difficult to understand, but as an automotive company, is it necessary to constantly boast about being far ahead and to stir up the emotions of the audience in order to hold a successful technology launch event?
I don't think so.
I believe that SAIC has an endless amount of valuable information that needs to be interpreted from multiple perspectives and scenarios by more professionals in the future. I have also expressed my views before:
If one can only rely on the founder to imply and hint at being far ahead in every aspect, but in reality, there is no actual technology that has truly influenced the industry and can withstand scrutiny, then it only indicates that they "have not mastered the core technology."
Therefore, there is no need to blame traditional large manufacturers for not understanding how to stir up emotions and make headlines. I believe that a technology launch should have the temperament of a technology launch:In terms of technical data, we pursue precision and realism.
On the timeline, we are clear and explicit.
The advantages of products and technology are substantiated with data that can withstand scrutiny, rather than being excessively embellished with emotional and flowery language.
Solid-state batteries will exceed 400 wh/kg and reach 500 wh/kg, placing China undeniably in the first tier;
The engine thermal efficiency, which Geely and BYD are fiercely competing for, the "Blue Core" hybrid exclusive engine thermal efficiency can also break through 46%;
The "Green Core" electric motor has an effective power density of over 9.5 kW/kg and a total power density of 4.4 kW/kg, leading the industry average by at least 40%.Here are a few data points: at a SAIC Motor press conference, one could easily list dozens of "leading by a wide margin" claims. However, SAIC refrains from doing so because they understand that catchy phrases are fleeting, while products are the true essence.
Of course, there's a prevailing notion that if you're excellent but don't toot your own horn, how am I supposed to know? In my observation, I believe the emotional threshold of the audience has been raised too high by new brands and new car models. From the time when Zhiji released the L6, Zhiji's interpretation and comparison of numerous black technologies have already caused such a stir. At least I've grasped one truth:
When a manufacturer like SAIC enters a context with clear aggressiveness, the competition becomes particularly nervous—does Zhiji's posture and starting point have any faults? In a ruthless market, the greater fault might be being too strong.
Perhaps it's the responsibility of being a top national automaker for many years, or perhaps it's the corporate temperament, but from the "New Decade" press conference, there was no exaggerated rhetoric to stir up emotions. Yet, the stubbornness, even pride, born from technological accumulation, to never bow one's head, still makes my heart pound with emotion when I reflect on it.The vast decade has passed, and a decade of even fiercer competition is underfoot.
All trends inevitably face the fate of becoming outdated, and the market, in its continuous exploration, will eventually find balance.
The growth and achievements of century-old brands have never been accomplished by mere phrases; they are forged by one solid product after another. And the automobile, as the jewel in the crown of industry, is not something that can be pieced together in a day or two—technology is presented through products, and ultimately, it is the experience that communicates and dialogues with users.
For many years, the big manufacturers have not been particularly eloquent, but this is because, over the past few decades of China's automotive industry development, it has always been the products that have spoken—little did anyone expect that we would now be in an era where the market is determined by whether the heads of car companies can speak well.
Whether such a period will continue and how long it can last, to be honest, I do not know.I only know that in this brutal battlefield, the moment of truly comprehensively testing the system's strength, though late, will surely come.
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