The 2026 World Power Battery Conference opened on September 3 in Yibin, Sichuan Province, China, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to discuss the future of power batteries. The conference, which runs through September, features thematic sessions on industry policies, cutting-edge technologies, innovative applications, new energy storage, and battery recycling. These sessions aim to foster cross-border industrial collaboration and advance international cooperation in the power battery sector.
Data released at the conference highlighted China's significant contributions to the power battery industry. The driving range of lithium-powered batteries has increased from approximately 100 kilometers in the early stages to as much as 1,000 kilometers today. Charging times have been reduced from hours to around 10 minutes, while battery durability has improved from roughly 300 charge cycles to as many as 1,500 cycles for energy storage batteries. Additionally, costs have fallen by 90%, making these technologies more accessible and economically viable.
At the opening ceremony, eight innovative power battery technologies for the 2025–2026 period were unveiled. These include power batteries supporting ultra-fast charging in about 10 minutes, hybrid solid-liquid batteries with a specific energy of 350 Wh/kg, and large-capacity, high-safety energy storage batteries ranging from 300 Ah to 600 Ah. These breakthroughs are expected to drive further innovation and application across various industries.
Ouyang Minggao, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, outlined three major development trends for the power battery industry. First, battery safety across the entire lifecycle is paramount. China's mandatory national standard, "Electric Vehicles Traction Battery Safety Requirements," took effect on July 1. Under this standard, batteries must not catch fire or explode, emitted gases must not harm vehicle occupants, and batteries must pass external short-circuit tests without igniting or exploding after 300 fast-charging cycles. Second, AI empowerment is set to reshape the industry. The application of AI to intelligent battery design, manufacturing, and management will transform the entire technology, industrial, and value chains. Third, green and low-carbon development throughout the full lifecycle is essential, emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Wang He, founder and CTO of GALBOT, discussed the integration of embodied intelligent robots with the power battery industry. One of GALBOT's latest products, which pushes the workload limits of humanoid robots, was developed through deep collaboration with the sector and has been commercially deployed at companies such as CATL. Wang predicted that leading players might reach the "ChatGPT moment" for embodied intelligence by 2028, ushering in a steep growth curve for humanoid robotics and opening new opportunities for power batteries.
Spain served as the Guest Country of Honor this year. The Spanish Ambassador to China, Betanzos, noted that Chinese investment in Spain is shifting from trade to long-term industrial projects, bringing production to Spain, creating high-quality jobs, and forging alliances with local companies. This underscores the global impact of China's power battery industry and its role in international collaboration.
The World Power Battery Conference, launched in Yibin in 2022, marks its fifth year in the city. The event continues to serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable development in the power battery sector.
