The 2026 World Power Battery Conference opened on September 3 in Yibin, Sichuan Province, China, bringing together global industry leaders to discuss policies, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative applications. The conference featured thematic sessions aimed at deepening cross-border industrial collaboration and advancing international cooperation in the power battery sector.
Data released at the conference highlighted China's technological contributions to the industry. The driving range of lithium-powered batteries has extended from around 100 kilometers in the early days to as much as 1,000 kilometers today. Charging time has been reduced from hours to approximately 10 minutes, while battery durability has increased from roughly 300 charge cycles to as many as 1,500 cycles for energy storage batteries. Notably, costs have fallen by 90%, making these advancements 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 around 10 minutes, hybrid solid-liquid batteries with a specific energy of 350 Wh/kg, and large-capacity, high-safety energy storage batteries with capacities ranging from 300 Ah to 600 Ah. These breakthroughs are expected to provide further impetus for 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. 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, and gases released must not harm vehicle occupants. After 300 fast-charging cycles, batteries must still pass external short-circuit tests without igniting or exploding. Second, AI empowerment across the whole chain, which will reshape the industry through intelligent design, manufacturing, and management. Third, green and low-carbon development throughout the full lifecycle.
Wang He, founder and CTO of GALBOT, shared insights on embodied intelligent robots. One of GALBOT's latest products, which breaks through the workload limits of humanoid robots, was developed through deep integration with the power battery industry and has been commercialized at companies including CATL. Wang believes that leading players in the sector are likely to reach the "ChatGPT moment" for embodied intelligence by 2028, ushering in a steep growth curve for humanoid robotics and opening new horizons for the power battery sector.
Spain served as the Guest Country of Honor. Betanzos, the Spanish Ambassador to China, noted that Chinese investment in Spain is shifting from trade toward long-term industrial projects, bringing production to Spain, creating high-quality jobs, and establishing alliances with local companies.
The World Power Battery Conference, launched in Yibin in 2022, marks its fifth year in the city. The conference underscores the region's role as a hub for power battery innovation and international collaboration, with implications for global energy storage and electric vehicle industries.
