Recently, the Female Entrepreneurs column of Changzhou National Hi-Tech District conducted a special interview with Ms. Chen Xuan, founder and chairwoman of Jiangsu Reliance Energy Tech. Co., Ltd.
With over 20 years of experience in high-end manufacturing and more than a decade in the lithium battery industry, Chen Xuan has led Reliance Energy with exceptional leadership and forward-thinking vision, breaking through technical barriers and propelling China’s lithium battery industry to a globally leading position.
01 Technological Breakthrough: Tabless Cylindrical Cells Redefine Industry Standards
In Reliance Energy’s laboratories and production facilities, Chen Xuan showcased the company’s self-developed “tabless cylindrical 21700 cell” to the camera. Compared to conventional batteries, this product achieves higher energy density, better thermal performance, and more stable charge-discharge capabilities through innovative structural design, overcoming the limitations of conventional tabs. “We have gathered some of the most talented individuals in China’s lithium battery industry and, with the help of AI and simulation technology, have solved several long-standing technical bottlenecks, such as achieving high-current discharge capabilities in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +80°C,” Chen Xuan explained.
Behind these technological breakthroughs lies the strong support of a top-tier R&D team. Currently, Reliance Energy’s research institute brings together 24 professionals, including 5 PhD holders, with engineers making up 66% of the team. The product technology center boasts a 98-member elite team, led by 2 PhD holders, with engineers accounting for 65%. This “team of academic elites” includes both seasoned experts with over a decade of industry experience and young talents from the post-90s generation. “Technology drives the future, and talent is the core,” Chen Xuan emphasized.
02 Entrepreneurial Journey: From Investor to Industry Leader
As a serial entrepreneur, Chen Xuan has successfully revitalized several technology-driven enterprises. When asked why she ventured into the lithium battery industry, she candidly shared, “Twenty years ago, China was almost a blank slate in the field of high-performance lithium batteries, but today we rank among the top three globally.” Leveraging her deep insights into the industry chain—from upstream raw materials to downstream customer needs—she accurately grasped technical limits and market opportunities, leading her team to break the monopoly of Japanese and Korean companies and achieve domestic substitution.
What’s even more touching is the story of her former employees’ loyalty. Upon hearing about Chen Xuan’s new venture, her former colleagues from across the country flocked to Changzhou to support Reliance Energy’s rapid development from inception to mass production. “Trust and cohesion are the most valuable assets of a company,” Chen Xuan reflected.
03 Choosing Changzhou: A Dual Advantage of Business Environment and ‘Xinbei Speed’
“Changzhou’s business environment is undoubtedly a benchmark in the Yangtze River Delta region.”
Chen Xuan used “Xinbei Speed” to illustrate the local government’s efficiency and pragmatism—the company was established at the end of 2022, the pilot production line was operational by mid-2023, and small-scale shipments from the experimental line began in 2024, with each step exceeding expectations.
04 The Power of Women: Empathy, Resilience, and Innovation
When asked about the unique advantages of female entrepreneurs, Chen Xuan noted, “Strong empathy allows us to better understand our teams and customers; meticulous thinking aids in precise decision-making; and resilience in the face of challenges is key to breakthrough innovation.”
She is not only committed to advancing battery technology in new fields but also takes it as her mission to support emerging Chinese enterprises, showcasing the responsibility and vision of a true entrepreneur.
Future Outlook: Reaching New Heights in Global Lithium Battery Manufacturing
In 2025, Reliance Energy will reach a significant milestone—the first phase of its domestic high-rate, high-energy-density tabless large cylindrical lithium-ion battery project is expected to achieve a production capacity of 14-16 GWh.
“Our goal is not only to lead in technology but also to drive China’s lithium battery industry from ‘manufacturing’ to ‘smart manufacturing,'” Chen Xuan stated firmly.
Jiangsu Reliance Energy Tech. Co., Ltd. focuses on the research and manufacturing of high-performance lithium batteries, with innovation as its core driving force. The company is committed to providing global customers with safe, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions. In the future, Reliance Energy will continue to deepen its technological breakthroughs, helping China’s new energy industry lead the world!