Safer Batteries: The Gel Revolution

The prevalence of lithium-ion batteries has led to public safety concerns due to their volatile liquid electrolytes, evidenced by numerous recalls and fire incidents involving e-bikes and power banks. Recalls in 2025 alone impacted millions of power banks and thousands of e-bikes due to fire hazards.

A new class of semi-solid-state batteries is emerging as a safer bridge between current technology and future solid-state solutions. These batteries feature a gel-like composition that significantly reduces the risk of thermal runaway. Products like semi-solid-state power banks are already available, offering enhanced energy density, improved cold-weather performance, and lifespans two to three times longer than traditional lithium-ion counterparts.

The e-bike industry is rapidly adopting this safer technology. Ride1Up launched what it terms the "world's first semi-solid-state electric bike" in early May, featuring a battery designed for over 1,200 charging cycles and rapid charging. Global giant Giant has also announced plans to integrate semi-solid-state batteries from Heyuan Lithium Inno into its mass-produced e-bikes, promising increased capacity and reduced weight.

This transition is partly driven by stricter regulations, particularly in China, which enacted new e-bike battery puncture test requirements in December 2025. These regulations, along with rigorous testing for power banks to secure essential certifications for air travel, create a strong incentive for manufacturers to adopt semi-solid-state batteries.

As China dominates the global battery supply chain, its regulatory push towards safer battery technologies could lead to wider adoption and reduced manufacturing costs worldwide. This shift is expected to benefit various device categories, including EVs and power stations, offering improved safety across the board, especially in regions with varied safety standards like the United States.