IM Motors, a collaboration between SAIC Motor Corporation, Zhangjiang High-Tech Park, and Alibaba Group, made waves in the electric vehicle market with the launch of the L6 sedan lineup earlier this year. The flagship model in this lineup is the L6 Max Lightyear Edition, priced at 345,900 yuan, which boasts cutting-edge battery technology that sets it apart from the competition.
The highlight of the Lightyear Edition is its quasi-900V semi-solid-state battery, known as the “Lightyear” battery, developed by Suzhou Qingdao New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. This innovative battery features Level 0 thermal spread prevention, a safety feature that prevents thermal runaway and enhances overall safety. The Lightyear battery enables an impressive estimated range of up to 1,000 km (CLTC) in the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version of the vehicle. Moreover, the battery supports rapid charging with a peak rate of 400 kW, allowing the vehicle to add 400 km of range in just 12 minutes.
The L6 Max Lightyear Edition recently received regulatory approval from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), marking a significant milestone for IM Motors. This approval paves the way for the model to enter the market, signaling the company’s commitment to incorporating high-speed charging and advanced battery technologies into their offerings. By securing a spot on the MIIT’s approved product list, IM Motors demonstrates their adherence to key regulatory standards and their dedication to staying competitive in the rapidly evolving EV sector.
The dual-motor system in the L6 Max Lightyear Edition is provided by United Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd. and Huayu Automotive Electric Systems Co., Ltd., with outputs of 190 kW and 350 kW, respectively. Suzhou Qingdao New Energy Technology, founded in 2016 in Kunshan, Suzhou, has made significant strides in the industrialization of semi-solid-state batteries through the development of a large-scale production line. Led by a team headed by Professor Nan Cewen from Tsinghua University, the company’s efforts represent a significant advancement in battery technology in China.
As IM Motors continues to position itself as a key player in the EV market, the approval of the L6 Max Lightyear Edition underscores their focus on battery safety and efficiency. By leveraging the semi-solid-state battery technology in the Lightyear Edition, IM Motors aims to offer consumers a compelling option that combines high-speed charging capabilities with enhanced range efficiency. With regulatory approval secured, the L6 Max Lightyear Edition is poised to make a splash in the competitive electric vehicle landscape.
