BUSINESS

Li Auto’s New L8 Puts In-House Batteries at Center of EV Strategy

Published: Jun. 26, 2026 12:44 a.m. GMT+8

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Li Auto's new extended-range hybrid model L8 was launched on June 23. Photo: Li Auto

Chinese electric-vehicle maker Li Auto Inc. launched its new extended-range hybrid L8 model on June 23, featuring an ultra-fast-charging battery developed in-house.

The rollout highlights a renewed push by Chinese automakers to design and manufacture their own batteries as they seek to secure supply, cut costs and reduce dependence on dominant suppliers in an increasingly competitive market.

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Li Auto launched the L8 hybrid in June 2025, featuring an in-house developed ultra-fast-charging battery, with cells made by partner Sunwoda.
In-house battery development allows Li Auto to tailor specifications and secure stable supply, reducing dependence on dominant supplier CATL.
Other Chinese automakers like Nio, Chery, and Dongfeng are also pursuing in-house battery strategies to strengthen bargaining power amid price competition.

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Li Auto Inc.: Li Auto Inc. launched its extended-range hybrid L8 on June 23, 2025, featuring an in-house developed ultra-fast-charging battery. The company designed the cells, produced via Sunwoda, and formed a battery joint venture in October 2025. The battery guarantees 75% health after 8 years/160,000 km, with future targets of 10 years/300,000 km.

Sunwoda Electronic Co. Ltd.: In the article, Sunwoda Electronic Co. Ltd. is identified as a manufacturing partner for Li Auto, producing battery cells designed by Li Auto. They established a battery joint venture in October 2025, targeting mass production in 2026, and operate dedicated production lines for Li Auto at other facilities.

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL): CATL is a dominant Chinese battery supplier, co-developing products with Li Auto since its first model. It posted record profits in 2025–2026, runs near full capacity, and launched advertising campaigns to boost brand recognition. Li Auto considers CATL both a strategic partner and competitor.

BYD Co. Ltd.: BYD Co. Ltd. is a Chinese electric vehicle maker known for vertical integration, including in-house battery design and manufacturing. The article notes that other automakers have sought to emulate BYD's approach to secure supply, cut costs, and reduce dependence on dominant battery suppliers like CATL.

Tesla Inc.: In the article, Tesla Inc. is mentioned as an example of vertical integration that Chinese automakers sought to emulate in 2021. This strategy involves controlling battery production and supply chains, a trend that has resurfaced among EV makers like Li Auto.

Nio Inc.: Nio Inc. partnered with a startup to launch a semi-solid-state battery in February 2026, and established a battery technology company in Shanghai, as part of its strategy to develop in-house battery capabilities.

Chery Automobile Co. Ltd.: Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. unveiled its own batteries and a production base in March 2026, as part of a broader push by Chinese automakers to develop in-house battery capabilities and reduce dependence on dominant suppliers like CATL.

Dongfeng Motor Group Co. Ltd.: Dongfeng Motor Group Co. Ltd. plans to equip its vehicles with self-developed solid-state batteries in the second half of 2026, as part of a broader push by Chinese automakers to develop in-house battery technology and reduce dependence on dominant suppliers.

AI generated, for reference only