Gasgoo Munich- Li Auto said during its second-quarter earnings call on August 26 that it would begin introducing its internally developed batteries across its full vehicle lineup in the second half of 2026. The automaker has now provided further details on the strategy and rollout schedule.
Image source: Li Auto
According to Li Auto, the company began developing battery cells in-house in 2020. Its work now covers the complete battery system, including 5C cells, battery packs and battery management systems. The automaker said its integrated vehicle and battery development, together with its experience in high-power charging, supports battery quality, safety and service life.
Li Auto has also been developing its Mach chips since 2022. The company views batteries and chips as key technological barriers in the intelligent electric vehicle era and has adopted a strategy similar to that of Apple and Huawei by bringing critical technologies under its own control.
Li Auto's in-house batteries are already used in the Li L8, Li L6 and Li i8 and will subsequently be extended across the product range.
The initial batch of the new-generation Li MEGA uses CATL 5C ternary lithium batteries. Li Auto said orders had exceeded expectations and its supply of those batteries was approaching depletion. Customers who lock in orders after 3 p.m. on September 7 will therefore receive vehicles fitted with Li Auto's in-house 5C ternary lithium battery, with deliveries expected to begin in November.
The all-new Li i9, a six-seat flagship family SUV scheduled to be unveiled in mid-September, will initially use CATL batteries before switching to Li Auto's own batteries as production capacity increases. The 2026 Li i6 will be launched in the fourth quarter with an in-house 5C battery and MIND chip. Reservations are scheduled to open in late September, followed by deliveries in early November.
Li Auto said its product strategy from 2026 onward would combine vehicle development with greater control over core technologies.
