The 2026 World Power Battery Conference opened on September 3 in Yibin, Sichuan Province, China, drawing global attention to the latest developments in power battery technology and industry trends. The conference features thematic sessions on industry policies, cutting-edge technologies, innovative applications, new energy storage, and battery recycling, aiming to foster international collaboration and pragmatic partnerships in the sector.
Data released at the conference underscored China's significant contributions to the power battery industry. The driving range of lithium-powered batteries has increased from approximately 100 kilometers in early models to as much as 1,000 kilometers today. Charging times have been slashed 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. Costs have plummeted by 90%, making electric vehicles more accessible.
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 across the industry.
Ouyang Minggao, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, outlined three major development trends. First, battery safety across the entire lifecycle is paramount. China's mandatory national standard, Electric Vehicles Traction Battery Safety Requirements, effective July 1, mandates that batteries must not catch fire or explode, emitted gases must not harm occupants, and after 300 fast-charging cycles, they must pass external short-circuit tests without igniting. Second, AI empowerment is reshaping the industry. AI applications in intelligent battery design, manufacturing, and management will transform the technology, industrial, and value chains. Third, green and low-carbon development throughout the battery lifecycle is essential.
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 overcomes workload limits of humanoid robots, has been commercially deployed at companies like CATL. Wang predicts that leading players may reach the "ChatGPT moment" for embodied intelligence by 2028, ushering in rapid growth for humanoid robotics and new opportunities for power batteries.
Spain served as the Guest Country of Honor. Spanish Ambassador to China Betanzos noted that Chinese investment in Spain is shifting from trade to long-term industrial projects, bringing production, creating high-quality jobs, and forming alliances with local firms.
The World Power Battery Conference, launched in Yibin in 2022, marks its fifth year hosting the event, solidifying Yibin's role as a hub for battery innovation and collaboration.
