T&D INTRODUCES SEMI-SOLID STATE BATTERIES FOR E-BIKES 

The new lightweight, fast-charging and safe battery technology is set to be a game-changer for the electric bike industry

Introduction: 
The e-bike industry has experienced a period of turbulence over recent years, with a rapid expansion during the global pandemic, followed by something of a downturn. During this time, there has not been significant widespread progress in the development of battery technology for power-assisted bicycles, making this area a weak spot for the whole industry’s advancement.  
 

A new technology for the e-bike industry 

For many years, lithium-ion batteries have been the main choice for e-bike manufacturers, but despite this ubiquitousness, there are limitations with the technology. Charging times tend to be long, and production costs of high-quality items, with robust battery management systems (BMS), are high. As a result, many sub-standard products are being created and reaching end-users through online marketplaces, leading to safety and security risks.  

Drawing on 20+ years of industry experience, T&D is introducing a new semi-solid state NCM lithium battery, which features high energy density and multiple built-in security layers. The technology is robustly tried-and-tested in the electric motorcycle industry, and has now been adapted to meet the specific needs of the e-bike sector.  
Sunny He, T&D founder and General Manager, said, “This battery technology represents a true game-changer for the e-bike sector. Lightweight, fast-charging and with maximized safety measures, it promises to open up new avenues of exploration, both for e-bike brands and end-users alike.” 

Charging 

The battery enables fast charging, with a high energy density of 250-35-Wh/kg, and eliminates the risk of explosion or burning during charging. It is designed to deliver a minimum of 1,500 charging cycles and a capacity retention rate of 70%, has temperature adaptability from -20~65°C, and a lifespan of 7 years with a 5-year warranty.  

Safety 

The T&D semi-solid state battery incorporates a five-layered security design, tailored to the e-bike usage scenario.  

• The semi-solid state cell is self-developed by T&D, ensuring maximum production chain accountability.  
• The BMS provides dynamic monitoring, with a highly accurate SOX estimation for the entire environment. Multiple failure protection systems and a safety warning algorithm are built in, and the security boundary dynamically adjusts with the battery’s lifecycle, ensuring ongoing security throughout its lifespan.  
• The cell barrier features automotive-grade foam material integrated sealing, and a significantly reduced proportion of flammable materials. It also efficiently diverts high-temperature gases.  
• The module-level security design features a full copper busbar connection to power circuits, with ample creepage distance.  
• The T&D-developed structural design features a high-strength aluminum shell, IP67 waterproofing, and a heat-insulating, high-melting-point cover and wiring harness. 

Testing 

During development, batteries have been subjected to stringent testing processes, including needle penetration and impact tests, high and low temperature tests, and cycle life and rate performance tests. T&D is going through the process of obtaining national and regional standards certifications required for the Chinese, European and US markets. 

Advantages 

The semi-solid state battery is light and agile, providing 830Wh at only 3.2kg. It can be adapted to a variety of e-bike frame designs, such as integrated or tube-mounted removable, built-in downtube or seat tube, or rear rack options. It also offers a cost-effective production process, with no changes to battery production equipment required, enabling the use of mature and reliable production processes.  

Next steps 

The first products to feature this T&D battery technology will be from a well-known international electric bike brand which has announced the joint development of a semi-solid state battery, due to launch for the Chinese domestic market in July 2025. In light of China’s mandatory lithium battery safety policies which come into effect in mid-2026, many manufacturers in the e-bike industry are exploring alternatives to their existing battery technology.  

Sample testing of other battery options in the T&D range is expected to take place in September 2025, and small-scale production undertaken within the year.

See further coverage of this groundbreaking technology here.