IM Motors, a subsidiary of SAIC Motor Corp, has launched its highly anticipated IM L6 electric vehicle, which boasts a solid-state battery and an impressive 1,000 km range (CLTC). The L6 has already garnered attention for its ability to pass the moose test without a driver at a speed of 71 km/h, showcasing its advanced safety features and autonomous capabilities.
The IM L6 is available in three variants, with pre-sales prices starting at 230,000 yuan (31,800 USD) for the Standard Max, 299,900 yuan (41,480 USD) for the High-performance, and 330,000 yuan (45,640 USD) for the top-of-the-line Lightyear Max, which comes equipped with the revolutionary solid-state battery.
During the launch event, IM unveiled the 900V solid-state battery, officially named “Lightyear.” This semi-solid-state battery, which incorporates some solid species in the energy-carrying fluid, boasts an ultra-fast charging capability, adding 400 kilometers of range in just 12 minutes at 400 kilowatts. IM claims that the CLTC range of the Lightyear Max variant will exceed 1,000 kilometers, making it a game-changer in the electric vehicle market. The other variants feature two NMC battery choices with standard liquid electrolytes, offering capacities of 90 kWh and 100 kWh, providing a range of 700-770 km CLTC.
The solid-state battery technology featured in the IM L6 represents a significant advancement in the electric vehicle industry. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that use a liquid electrolyte, solid-state batteries employ a solid electrolyte, offering several advantages. These include higher energy density, allowing for increased range without adding weight or size to the battery pack, improved safety due to the non-flammable solid electrolyte, and a longer lifespan with the ability to withstand more charge cycles.
However, it is essential to note that the IM L6’s Lightyear battery is a semi-solid-state battery, meaning that the electrolyte contains both solid and liquid components. This approach allows for a more gradual transition from current lithium-ion technology to full solid-state batteries, which are still in development and face challenges in terms of manufacturing and scalability.
Despite these challenges, the inclusion of a semi-solid-state battery in the IM L6 is a significant step forward for the electric vehicle industry. As more manufacturers invest in research and development of solid-state battery technology, we can expect to see further advancements in terms of range, safety, and charging times. The IM L6’s Lightyear battery, with its ultra-fast charging capability, showcases the potential of solid-state technology to address one of the main concerns of electric vehicle adoption: charging time.
The IM L6 measures 4931/1960/1474 mm and has a wheelbase of 2950 mm, following the design language of other IM models as a hatchback for increased cargo space and flexibility. The interior features POPO seats, with magnetic suction discs on the back of the front seats for holding devices or mirrors for rear passengers. A large panoramic roof and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats further enhance the vehicle’s versatility.
Equipped with Nvidia Orin X, Qualcomm 8295, and LiDAR, the IM L6 introduces innovative features such as multi-angle Carlog for in-car vlogging and City Drive for local content display. The car also features intelligent driving functions and DZT dynamic tracking technology, which identifies dangerous objects using a 360° camera. The city NOA driving assistant is set to launch nationwide within the year.
The IM L6 also offers an “Apple ecosystem plugin” for seamless integration with iPhones and features the first-generation VMC (Vehicle Motion Control) smart digital chassis technology. This technology enables unique maneuvers like “crab walking” for tight corners and advanced parallel parking.
Under the hood, the IM L6 is powered by a self-developed “Hurricane motor” with a maximum speed of 21,000 rpm, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.74 seconds. The dual-motor four-wheel-drive model features two motors, 200 kW and 379 kW, and can reach a top speed of 268 km/h. Single-motor models are available with three power options: 216 kW, 248 kW, and 300 kW.
The IM L6 is available in seven colors, including gray, pink, yellow, black, and white, with more colors to be announced later.
IM Motors, a collaboration between SAIC Motor Corporation Group, Zhangjiang High-Tech Park, and Alibaba Group, aims to rival Tesla and Nio in the electric vehicle market. Although IM vehicles are currently only sold in Mainland China, the company sold 38,253 units in 2023. While these figures fall behind competitors like Tesla, which sold over 645,000 units in China during the same period, and the new Xiaomi SU7, which received over 100,000 orders, IM Motors CEO Liu Tao remains confident in the L6’s potential, directly comparing it to the Xiaomi SU7 during the launch event.
As solid-state battery technology continues to evolve, it may help to further bridge the gap between electric and traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, making electric vehicles a more attractive option for a wider range of consumers. The IM L6, with its impressive range, advanced features, and semi-solid-state battery, represents a significant step forward in this direction, and its success in the highly competitive Chinese market will be closely watched by industry experts and consumers alike.
