Scientists in China have achieved a significant breakthrough in battery technology by developing a new electrolyte that allows electric vehicle (EV) batteries to function in extreme cold, specifically reaching temperatures as low as -70°C.
The research, published in the journal Nature in February and March of 2026, was led by researchers from Nankai University and Zhejiang University.
The Breakthrough: -70°C Performance
Traditional lithium-ion batteries struggle in cold weather because their liquid electrolytes become viscous, slowing the movement of lithium ions and causing range loss or charging failures.
- Novel Solvent: Researchers at Zhejiang University developed a new solvent called fluoroacetonitrile (FAN). This solvent creates a “ligand channel” that allows lithium ions to move with ultra-fast kinetics even at ultra-low temperatures.+1
- Extreme Limits: While standard batteries fail below -20°C to -30°C, this new electrolyte maintained ionic conductivity at -70°C that was triple that of traditional carbonate-based electrolytes.
- High Energy Density: A concurrent study from Nankai University used a similar fluorinated hydrocarbon system to create a battery with an energy density of 700 Wh/kg at room temperature, which still maintained 400 Wh/kg at -50°C—higher than the room-temperature density of most current EV batteries.
Key Comparisons
| Feature | Standard EV Battery (2025) | New Chinese Electrolyte (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Limit | -20°C to -30°C | -70°C |
| Energy Density | 160–300 Wh/kg | 700 Wh/kg (Max) |
| Fast Charging | 30+ mins in cold | 80% in 10 mins (at room temp) |
| Primary Use | Passenger EVs | Polar regions, Aerospace, High-altitude drones |
Real-World Implications
The development is being fast-tracked for practical applications, particularly for China’s “low-altitude economy” and extreme environments:
- Drones & Robots: In February 2026, the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics successfully tested a version of this cold-hardy battery in Mohe (China’s coldest city) at -34°C, where it powered an industrial drone for long-endurance flight without any external insulation.
- 1,000 km Range: By combining this electrolyte with lithium-rich manganese cathodes, researchers and automakers like Hongqi have released prototype systems capable of over 1,000 km of driving range on a single charge.
- Mass Production: General managers at China Automotive New Energy Battery Technology Co. have indicated that vehicles equipped with these ultra-high-density, cold-resistant batteries could enter mass production by the end of 2026.
