BASF Advances Next-Gen Batteries with WELION; Renews CAM Supply Pact in Europe

BASF Battery Materials, through its joint venture BASF Shanshan Battery Materials Co., Ltd. (BSBM), has achieved a major milestone in collaboration with Beijing WELION New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. The company successfully delivered its first batches of mass-produced Cathode Active Materials (CAM) for Semi-Solid-State batteries, marking an important step toward the industrialization of Solid-State battery technology.

With energy density and safety becoming critical for the EV industry, Semi-Solid-State batteries are viewed as a game-changer. WELION, with decades of expertise in Solid-State technologies, and BSBM, with over 20 years of experience in CAM development, jointly developed ultra-high Nickel NCM cathode active material with a unique composite coating layer. This innovation addresses interface issues with solid electrolytes, improving energy density, cycling performance, and overall durability.

Since initiating the project in August 2024, the partners rapidly progressed from concept to mass production within just one year. Leaders from both BASF and WELION hailed the project as a landmark achievement that strengthens global efforts to bring safer, high-performance batteries to market.

Renewed Supply Agreement for Europe
Alongside this milestone in Asia, BASF has also renewed its long-term cathode active materials supply agreement with a European customer, ensuring supply from its CAM plant in Schwarzheide, Germany. The facility is Germany’s only high-performance CAM production site and the only fully automated large-scale CAM facility in Europe.

Dr. Daniel Schönfelder, President of BASF’s Battery Materials division, said the extension underscores customer confidence in BASF’s innovative products and high-quality processes. “With this strengthened customer setup for our European CAM operations, we feel well positioned for the future,” he noted.

Driving the Future of Energy Storage
Together, these developments highlight BASF’s dual strategy: supporting the rapid commercialization of next-generation Semi-Solid-State batteries with WELION in Asia, while reinforcing a stable and trusted CAM supply chain in Europe. Both moves underscore BASF’s commitment to shaping the future of sustainable mobility and energy storage through innovation, partnerships, and global manufacturing excellence.