#Malaysia #battery technology #Kulim #Highstar #Tabless Cells

Highstar's Innovative Tabless Cell Production in Malaysia

On March 26, 2026, Highstar proudly inaugurated its new tabless cell factory in Kulim, Malaysia, which is now officially in operation. This venue marks a breakthrough as China's first overseas mass production line for cylindrical tabless cells, emphasizing Highstar's commitment to advancing its global supply chain. Dignitaries and strategic global partners gathered to celebrate this significant milestone, showcasing the growing synergy between local talent and international expertise in battery manufacturing.

A Global Collaboration Begins

Highstar’s President, Zhou Wen, highlighted during the opening ceremony that the establishment of the Kulim facility is a strategic response to the growing global demand for green energy solutions. He emphasized the new site not only as a manufacturing plant but also as a collaborative platform designed to meet the evolving needs of clients worldwide. Highstar aims to uphold localized operations that adhere to world-class standards, thereby delivering highly competitive energy solutions in the market.

Launching the INR21700-50PS Cell

The event's highlight was the grand unveiling of the INR21700-50PS, a cutting-edge tabless cell with a capacity of 5.0 Ah, showcasing Highstar’s ability to transition innovative lab technologies into mass production. This new cell features three technological advancements, four key characteristics, and five primary applications, marking it as a pioneer in the battery industry. The innovative architecture includes a high-energy Ni90+ cathode jointly developed with partners, a next-generation silicon-carbon (SiC) rapid-charge anode, and a revolutionary 3D conductor network.

Outstanding Advantages of the 21700-50PS

1. Extreme Power and Low Resistance: The internal resistance has been dramatically lowered to ≤3 mΩ, a reduction of over 70%. This allows for an instantaneous pulse discharge of 250 A (50C), ideal for applications demanding high power.
2. Wide Temperature Range: The cell maintains stable discharge capabilities from -40°C to 80°C, outperforming limits in extreme operational environments.
3. Efficient Fast Charging: Capable of achieving 80% state of charge (SOC) in just 15 minutes (3C), it alleviates range anxiety and enhances efficiency in outdoor scenarios.
4. Ultra-Long Lifespan: The battery can endure 1,000 cycles with a discharge rate of 30 A, effectively doubling the lifespan compared to multi-tab cells and accommodating even higher discharge rates.

Paving the Way for Diverse Applications

Guests at the inauguration toured Highstar's advanced tabless battery production line, commending the stringent quality control measures implemented throughout the manufacturing process. With robust performance metrics, the 21700-50PS is set to cater to five key sectors, including high-end power tools, gardening equipment, industrial robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), automatic identification and data capture (AIDC), and electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL).

In closing, Zhou Wen remarked, “Production is just the beginning; we envision this Malaysian base as a catalyst for furthering our focus on low-power batteries. We are committed to product innovation and global collaboration to lead the charge towards a greener energy future.” This pivotal launch not only showcases Highstar’s technological advancements but also signifies a step forward in establishing Malaysia as a vital hub in the global energy landscape.