Solid-state batteries are called the “holy grail” of EV battery tech for a reason, right? The new battery tech is quickly moving from the lab to the real world, with some claiming to unlock over 800 miles of driving range.
Solid-state EV batteries promise to double driving range
Several major Chinese automakers have begun, or plan to begin, testing solid-state batteries in vehicles over the next few months.
BYD and CATL, which accounted for over 55% of global EV battery sales last year, both plan to begin small-scale production in 2027. Meanwhile, the new battery tech is already making its way to the real world.
Earlier this year, Dongfeng Motors announced it had begun testing a solid-state battery prototype in the extreme cold. The battery boasted an energy density of 350 Wh/kg, which Dongfeng said provides a range of over 1,000 km (620 miles) under CLTC conditions.
Changan Automobile said it will begin trial installations before the end of Q3 2026. With an energy density of 400 Wh/kg, the company claims its “Golden Bell” all-solid-state battery can deliver over 1,500 km (932 miles) CLTC driving range.
Chery, another leading Chinese car manufacturer, is set to reveal its progress on solid-state batteries for the first time on Wednesday.
The company announced on Weibo that it will hold a “Battery Night” launch event on March 18 to showcase its latest breakthroughs.
Solid-state batteries are becoming a key focus for next-gen EV battery tech, Chery said, offering higher energy density, a longer lifespan, longer driving range, faster charging, and superior safety.
No other details were offered, but Chery unveiled a solid-state battery prototype in October with an energy density of up to 600 Wh/kg. According to CarNewsChina, Chery said the ultra-high-energy-density battery could provide a CLTC driving range of over 1,500 km (932 miles).
Chery aims to begin testing the solid-state battery later this year in limited applications with plans to open it up to the mass market in 2027.
Electrek’s Take
While China aims to maintain its lead on the global market with new battery chemistries, Japan, Europe, Korea, and even the US are racing to bring the promising new battery tech to market.
In September, Mercedes drove a modified EQS over 1,200 km (745 miles) using 106 Ah solid-state battery cells supplied by US-based Factorial Energy. Factorial launched the first commercial solid-state battery program in the US through a collaboration with Karma Automotive earlier this year.
During an interview with The New York Times in December, Huang said that Factorial’s solid-state EV batteries could be used in EVs as early as 2027.
According to Factorial, the Solstice platform has an energy density of up to 450 Wh/kg, which is 80% higher than that of traditional lithium-ion batteries. It can achieve 50% longer range, the company said, capable of providing over 600 miles.
Factorial has partnerships with major OEMs, including Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai, and Kia, to advance the new battery tech.
While 600, 800, or 1,000 miles is way more than the average driver actually needs, the new battery developments are proving that EVs will only become more efficient and safer.
With gas prices soaring, how’s a long-range EV sound now?
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments