Tsinghua University and Seres Automobile Co., Ltd. have formally opened a collaborative research center dedicated to the development of next-generation electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The Tsinghua-Seres Battery Innovation Technology Joint Research Centre, inaugurated on November 28, 2025, aims to integrate academic research with practical industrial application in a key area of China’s future automotive industry.
Strategic Alignment with National Goals
The center’s launch is directly aligned with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which prioritizes technological advancement in energy and transportation sectors. According to Tsinghua Vice President Peng Gang, the partnership leverages the university’s strong research capabilities alongside Seres’s real-world vehicle manufacturing experience. This structured collaboration is designed to accelerate breakthroughs in battery systems, bolstering China’s energy independence and promoting sustainable transport.
Industry-Academia Synergy
Seres Group Chairman Zhang Xinghai emphasized that the center will focus on both battery technology and safety research. The facility will provide researchers with hands-on experience in practical skills development, while also investigating critical areas like battery design, safety protocols, and optimized production methods. This is a critical step towards improving EV performance and safety standards.
Background of the Partners
Tsinghua University, founded in 1911, is a leading Chinese research institution with a renowned engineering and technology focus. Seres Automobile Co., Ltd., established in 2016, is a Chinese EV manufacturer specializing in SUVs and passenger vehicles. The combination of Tsinghua’s fundamental research strength and Seres’s industrial experience forms a powerful synergy.
What’s at Stake in Next-Gen Batteries?
Next-generation EV batteries are primarily focused on improving energy density, faster charging speeds, extended lifespan, and better thermal management. Dedicated research centers like this one facilitate systematic experimentation, simulations, and prototyping. The Tsinghua-Seres center will provide the facilities and insight needed to advance these efforts. Currently, no technical results or prototypes have been publicly released.
A Growing Trend in China
The joint research center exemplifies a growing trend in China: strategic partnerships between universities, research institutions, and automotive manufacturers. This collaborative approach is designed to address technical and production challenges in the rapidly evolving new energy vehicle (NEV) sector. By formalizing this research platform, Tsinghua and Seres aim to accelerate innovation in battery chemistry, production processes, and system integration.
This collaboration represents a significant investment in China’s EV future, bridging the gap between academic discovery and industrial implementation.
