Chinese EV maker Leapmotor has signed a technology cooperation agreement with Zhongqi Xinneng Battery Technology Co., a company linked to state-owned automaker FAW Group, to jointly develop next-generation battery technologies and push for standardized cell formats. The deal, announced on September 17, was witnessed by FAW Group chairman Qiu Xiandong and Leapmotor founder and CEO Zhu Jiangming, according to Chinese automotive news outlet Gasgoo.
The agreement follows a broader strategic cooperation pact signed between FAW and Leapmotor on August 24, which focused on technology collaboration to tackle next-generation battery challenges. The new deal deepens that relationship, with the two sides committing to joint R&D in several frontier battery areas.
Frontier battery technologies in focus
Under the agreement, the partners will work together on solid-state batteries, lithium-rich manganese-based cells, sodium-ion batteries, and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells with ultra-fast charging capabilities. They will also jointly develop standardized cell formats for targeted applications, aiming to make these technologies easier to scale and deploy across vehicles.
Beyond cell development, the cooperation extends to battery recycling and overseas supply chain coordination, according to Gasgoo. Zhongqi Xinneng said it would leverage its strengths in industrial resource integration, high-end manufacturing and standards development to work with Leapmotor on capital and technology collaboration.
Strategic significance
The partnership highlights the growing trend of Chinese automakers teaming up with battery specialists and state-backed groups to secure next-generation technology. For Leapmotor, known for its cost-efficient EVs, the deal could provide access to advanced battery tech that helps lower costs and improve performance. For FAW, the collaboration supports its push into new energy vehicles and battery innovation.
Neither company disclosed financial terms or a timeline for the joint projects. The announcement comes as Chinese EV makers intensify competition in battery technology, particularly around solid-state cells, which are seen as a potential breakthrough for energy density and safety.
Zhongqi Xinneng is a relatively new player in the battery sector, but its ties to FAW give it significant industrial backing. The company said the cooperation would help "inject new momentum" into the high-quality development of China's new energy vehicle industry.
