Li Auto In-House Batteries Expand Across New Models

Li Auto Details In-House Battery Deployment Plan

Li Auto has outlined a phased deployment of its in-house battery technology across its vehicle lineup, with broader installation planned from the second half of 2026. The company announced the deployment plan on September 7 after discussing its battery strategy during its Q2 2026 results briefing on August 26. The company said its in-house batteries would gradually be installed in all of its models. The plan becomes particularly relevant in Q4 2026, when the New Li MEGA, all-new Li i9 electric SUV, and 2026 Li i6 are scheduled to transition or launch with specified battery technologies developed either internally or initially supplied by CATL.

Li Auto Has Developed Battery Technology Since 2020

Li Auto has independently developed battery cells since 2020, building capabilities that cover the complete battery system rather than focusing only on individual cells. Its core technologies include 5C battery cells, battery packs, and battery management systems, or BMS. The company's in-house batteries are already used in the Li L8, Li L6, and Li i8, providing an existing foundation for the planned expansion. The broader strategy indicates that Li Auto is progressively incorporating internally developed battery technology into additional models while maintaining production flexibility during the transition to its own battery supply.

New Li MEGA and Li i9 Will Initially Use CATL Batteries

The Q4 2026 rollout includes transitional battery arrangements for the New Li MEGA and all-new Li i9 electric SUV. Initial New Li MEGA deliveries will use CATL 5C ternary lithium batteries. After production preparations for Li Auto's in-house batteries are completed, the New Li MEGA will switch to Li Auto's in-house 5C ternary lithium batteries. The all-new Li i9 electric SUV is scheduled for an official unveiling in mid-September, with initial deliveries also using CATL 5C ternary lithium batteries. It will transition to Li Auto's in-house 5C ternary lithium batteries after battery production ramps up.

2026 Li i6 Adds In-House Battery and Mach M100 Chip

The 2026 Li i6 represents a different point in the rollout because the model is scheduled to launch in Q4 2026 with Li Auto's in-house 5C batteries from the outset. The vehicle will also feature Li Auto's in-house developed Mach M100 chip. This combination places the Li i6 within the company's broader effort to integrate internally developed technologies across its products. Unlike the New Li MEGA and all-new Li i9, which begin deliveries with CATL 5C ternary lithium batteries before transitioning to Li Auto's internally developed batteries, the Li i6 is planned to use the company's in-house 5C battery technology when it launches.

Industry Impact & Outlook

Li Auto's phased battery deployment could give the company greater control over a critical vehicle technology as production of its internally developed batteries expands. The Q4 2026 plans also show that the transition is being managed alongside existing supply arrangements with CATL, allowing the New Li MEGA and all-new Li i9 to begin deliveries before Li Auto's own battery production reaches the required level. For the company's vehicle lineup, the rollout increases the role of internally developed battery and electronic technologies, while the timing of production ramp-up will remain important to how quickly the planned transitions are implemented across models.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Li Auto expand its in-house battery technology across more models?
Li Auto plans to gradually expand its internally developed battery technology across its vehicle lineup beginning in the second half of 2026, with several specific model deployments scheduled for Q4 2026. The New Li MEGA and all-new Li i9 electric SUV will initially use CATL 5C ternary lithium batteries before switching to Li Auto's in-house 5C ternary lithium batteries after production preparations or battery production ramps up. The 2026 Li i6 is planned to launch in Q4 2026 with Li Auto's in-house 5C batteries and Mach M100 chip.