Li Auto has introduced its new Lianshan electric powertrain technology system, marking a significant shift to in-house developed batteries and components. The company is backing its technology with lifetime safety pledges, aiming to reassure customers as it transitions away from external battery suppliers.
Lianshan System Launch and Scope
Li Auto announced the Lianshan system at its Power Day electric technology event, presenting a fully in-house developed suite covering batteries, electric drive units, and the charging network. The company stated that Lianshan will handle ‘everything about electricity’ for its vehicles.
The Lianshan battery, electric drive, and charging network are all developed internally, with the system’s name now extending to Li Auto’s entire electric powertrain technology suite.
Lifetime Battery Safety Guarantees
Li Auto introduced two lifetime guarantees for its batteries: one against self-ignition and another against fire after collisions. Under the Lianshan battery guarantee program, if a vehicle self-ignites due to a quality issue with the original battery and meets scrapping criteria, the owner will receive a new vehicle of the same configuration.
If a battery fire occurs after a collision or chassis scraping and the vehicle is scrapped, Li Auto will cover the difference between the insurance payout and the actual loss, subject to eligibility conditions.
Transition to In-House Batteries and Industry Partnerships
Li Auto is moving from using CATL batteries to in-house developed batteries produced by a joint venture with Sunwoda, established in 2025. The company plans to invest $395.9M (~AUD 567.1M) in Sunwoda Electric Vehicle Battery Co Ltd, becoming its second-largest shareholder with an 8.79% stake.
CATL remains a major partner, with more than 1 million Li Auto vehicles delivered using CATL batteries and no thermal runaway incidents reported. Li Auto’s founder, chairman, and CEO Li Xiang emphasized that existing battery suppliers remain partners and thanked CATL for its support.
Technical Highlights and Safety Features
The Lianshan battery features a high-stability cathode, low-lithium-consumption anode, and dual-formula electrolyte, supporting continuous dynamic repair. Li Auto claims all models will retain at least 75% battery health within 8 years or 160,000 km (~99,400 miles).
Material improvements, integrated battery packs, and advanced energy management have increased range across the lineup. The new Li L8 achieves 430 km (~267 miles) of pure electric range (CLTC), while the 2026 Li i6 reaches 780 km (~485 miles), an improvement of over 8% from 2025.
On safety, the Lianshan battery’s underside can withstand a 500-joule impact without fire or explosion, remains watertight after 48 hours submerged in 1 meter (~39 inches) of water, and will not catch fire for 24 hours after a single cell enters thermal runaway at 50°C.
Electric Drive and Charging Network Expansion
The Lianshan electric drive uses a proprietary CAR119 cast aluminum rotor, adding over 15 km (~9 miles) of range in urban driving and more than 8 km (~5 miles) on highways. A restructured power module allows current to flow directly to the chip, increasing range by 30 km (~19 miles) and freeing up 24 mm (~0.94 inches) of headroom.
Li Auto reports that 4 million of its silicon carbide power chips have been installed in vehicles over the past year with zero failures. The next-generation electric drive system is expected to deliver more power and range without increasing in size.
Li Auto’s supercharging network now exceeds 4,200 stations, covering cities, highways, and scenic areas. The network spans the ’12 vertical and 13 horizontal’ expressway corridors, with a goal of one station every 100 km (~62 miles) by the end of the year. All highway supercharging stations feature 5C superchargers, and equipment availability is reported at 99.9%.
Product Rollout and Market Performance
Li Auto’s in-house batteries are already used in the Li L8, Li L6, and Li i8, with plans to extend them to all models. The 2026 Li i6, equipped with the new 5C battery and Mach chip, will launch on October 28, with deliveries starting in early November.
In September, Li Auto delivered 31,817 vehicles, a 6.29% decrease year-on-year. For the first nine months of 2026, deliveries totaled 293,436 vehicles, down 1.25% compared to the previous year.
Why this matters
Li Auto’s move to in-house developed batteries and electric drive technology represents a significant shift in its supply chain and product strategy. The introduction of lifetime safety guarantees is aimed at building consumer trust as the company transitions away from established suppliers like CATL.
The expansion of Li Auto’s charging network and improvements in battery safety and range could enhance the appeal of its vehicles in a competitive EV market.
What this means for buyers
Buyers considering Li Auto vehicles can expect enhanced battery safety assurances and improved electric range in upcoming models. The rollout of the Lianshan system and expanded charging infrastructure may offer greater convenience and peace of mind.
Customers should review the eligibility conditions for the lifetime guarantees and monitor the rollout of in-house batteries across the Li Auto lineup, especially if considering the new Li i6 or other upcoming models.
Key Specs
- Lianshan Battery Health Retention: At least 75% within 8 years or 160,000 km (~99,400 miles)
- Li L8 Pure Electric Range (CLTC): 430 km (~267 miles)
- 2026 Li i6 Pure Electric Range (CLTC): 780 km (~485 miles)
- Supercharging Stations: Over 4,200, spanning ’12 vertical and 13 horizontal’ expressway corridors
- Highway Supercharger Equipment: All stations equipped with 5C superchargers
- Equipment Availability: 99.9%
- Silicon Carbide Power Chips Deployed: 4 million, zero failures reported
- Li Auto Deliveries (Jan–Sep 2026): 293,436 vehicles
Images sourced from: cnevpost.com, carnewschina.com, technode.com
