- Li Auto will roll its self-developed 5C battery system across more models from H2 2026, reflecting pressure to control supply, cut costs and capture share from suppliers and rivals.
- Li Auto builds cells, packs and BMS in‑house with Sunwoda manufacturing to spec and a planned RMB 2.65 billion ($395 million) investment that yields an indirect 11.17% stake.
- Targets include MEGA, i9 and facelifted i6 buyers currently served by CATL 5C cells; execution risks include switching timing, scaling in‑house production, supplier integration and ensuring quality on deliveries.
Li Auto has unveiled its latest in-house battery plan, with self-developed batteries set to roll out across its lineup from the second half of 2026.
The batteries are already used in the Li L8, Li L6 and Li i8. Li Auto plans to expand its in-house 5C battery to more models in the fourth quarter, including the next-generation MEGA, new i9 and facelifted i6.
Li Auto began developing batteries in 2020. Its technology roadmap identified battery cells and chips as two core technologies that needed to be developed in-house.
The company has since expanded its battery R&D from cells to a full system covering 5C cells, battery packs and BMS.
Li Auto sees batteries and chips as key technology barriers for the next stage of smart EV development. In-house development gives automakers greater control over product definition, system design and technology upgrades than sourcing off-the-shelf components.
Its battery efforts now center on 5C technology. Li Auto is integrating battery and vehicle design while drawing on its experience with 5C fast charging. The focus is on improving performance, safety and battery life.
On the chip side, Li Auto began developing its Mach chips in 2022. It plans to keep investing in the technology.
Li Auto is also tightening ties with battery suppliers as it expands in-house development.
Sunwoda Electronic said Sept. 4 that Li Auto plans to invest RMB 2.65 billion ($395 million) in Sunwoda Power. Once completed, Li Auto-related entities will indirectly hold a combined 11.17% stake in the battery maker, making Li Auto its second-largest shareholder.
Li Auto Senior Director of Power Batteries Liu Zhimin previously said the automaker handles product definition, leads cell material formulations and structural design, and oversees the underlying development of the battery pack and BMS. Li Auto also sets standards for R&D, manufacturing processes and quality control. Sunwoda manufactures the cells to Li Auto’s specifications.
The approach gives Li Auto greater control over its battery technology while using an equity stake to help secure supply.
The rollout plan for its in-house 5C battery is already taking shape.
The MEGA and i9 will initially use CATL 5C ternary lithium batteries. Once Li Auto’s own battery production is ready, both models will switch fully to Li Auto’s in-house 5C ternary batteries.
The new Li i6 will launch in the fourth quarter with Li Auto’s in-house 5C battery and Mach chip. Pre-orders are set to open in late September, with deliveries starting in early November.
Discover more from ChinaEVHome
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
