World-leading! China's solid-state batteries are poised for mass production, doubling battery range and reshaping the industry landscape.

The new energy vehicle industry has long been plagued by three major pain points that hinder users’ adoption of green travel: range anxiety, safety concerns, and severe capacity attenuation in low temperatures. While the whole world is seeking the next-generation power battery solution, China’s solid-state battery technology has witnessed concentrated breakthroughs. Advancing from laboratories to mass production lines and from experimental samples to commercial products, it redefines the boundaries of electric mobility with doubled energy density, substantially improved safety performance, and stable low-temperature adaptability. Widely regarded by the industry as the first year for the mass production of China’s solid-state batteries, 2026 will see large-scale installation of semi-solid-state batteries and completed prototype verification for all-solid-state batteries. A power battery revolution led by China is reshaping the global new energy industry landscape.

I. Technological Breakthrough: From Liquid to Solid, Underlying Innovation Solves Industry Pain Points

Traditional liquid lithium-ion batteries rely on liquid electrolyte and separators for ion transmission, hitting physical limits in terms of energy density, safety and service life. The cell energy density of mainstream ternary lithium batteries ranges from 210 to 260 Wh/kg, while that of lithium iron phosphate batteries is only 140 to 200 Wh/kg. To extend driving range, manufacturers have to increase battery capacity, which leads to heavier vehicle weight and reduced interior space. Meanwhile, flammable and leak-prone liquid electrolytes carry risks of thermal runaway under extreme conditions. By replacing liquid electrolytes and separators with solid electrolytes, solid-state batteries achieve fundamental structural innovation and completely break the performance ceiling of conventional lithium batteries.

Actual test data released by CATARC in February 2026 shows that the cell energy density of domestic semi-solid-state batteries reaches 350–400 Wh/kg, and all-solid-state battery samples exceed 500 Wh/kg, with some laboratory research results hitting 720 Wh/kg — 1.8 to 2.3 times that of traditional liquid batteries. The sharp increase in energy density brings a qualitative leap in driving range. Passenger vehicles equipped with semi-solid-state batteries generally achieve a CLTC range of over 1,000 kilometers, and all-solid-state battery models can reach more than 1,200 kilometers in laboratory tests. Compared with mainstream liquid battery vehicles with a range of 600 to 800 kilometers, the range is nearly doubled, thoroughly eliminating long-distance travel anxiety.

Safety is the core advantage of solid-state batteries. Without liquid electrolytes, potential risks such as leakage, fire and explosion are fundamentally eliminated. In stringent tests conducted by CATARC, domestic solid-state batteries passed full automotive-grade assessments including needle piercing, 2-ton extrusion, 192°C high-temperature chamber exposure and 1.5-meter drop, with no smoking, ignition or thermal runaway. The surface temperature rise of cells is controlled within 35°C, far exceeding the safety standards of traditional batteries. In addition, solid-state batteries deliver greatly improved low-temperature performance, retaining over 90% of capacity at -30°C and more than 68% at -40°C. In contrast, conventional liquid batteries drop below 30% capacity at the same low temperatures, solving the long-standing problem of electric vehicles breaking down in northern China’s winters.

Fast charging and long service life are also realized simultaneously. Domestic solid-state batteries support 6C ultra-fast charging, replenishing 80% power in 10 minutes and adding a 500-kilometer range in 12 minutes, delivering a refueling experience comparable to fuel vehicles. Their cycle life exceeds 3,000 times, and some all-solid-state batteries reach over 4,000 times — 2.7 times the 1,200–1,500 cycles of traditional liquid batteries. Calculated based on an annual mileage of 20,000 kilometers, the batteries can last more than 10 years without replacement, greatly reducing vehicle usage costs.

II. Mass Production & Application: Large-scale Rollout of Semi-solid-state Batteries, Accelerated Development of All-solid-state Batteries

Ultimately, technological breakthroughs are realized through mass production. In 2026, China’s solid-state battery industry has moved beyond conceptual research into a new stage featuring large-scale semi-solid-state battery application and accelerated R&D of all-solid-state batteries. Major automakers and battery enterprises have released clear vehicle installation plans, and multiple models equipped with solid-state batteries will soon be launched on the market.

The Dongfeng eπ007 is among the first mass-produced vehicles equipped with semi-solid-state batteries, officially launched in September 2026. Fitted with 350 Wh/kg semi-solid-state batteries, it boasts a CLTC range of over 1,000 kilometers and a 500-kilometer range boost within 12 minutes of charging, and passes the 170°C high-temperature safety test with zero fire or explosion. GAC Aion’s high-end models will be equipped with quasi-solid-state batteries within 2026, with a cell energy density of 400 Wh/kg, reshaping the high-end electric vehicle market with premium positioning and ultra-long range. SAIC MG4 has adopted the first-generation semi-solid-state batteries, with over 2,000 sets verified globally, accumulating practical data for large-scale production.

Though not yet for civilian mass production, all-solid-state batteries are advancing steadily in prototype testing and production line construction. BYD’s 20 GWh all-solid-state battery production line in Bishan, Chongqing, will be put into operation in 2026. Its sulfide-based cells reach an energy density of 480 Wh/kg and have completed 5,000 kilometers of comprehensive road tests with zero thermal runaway incidents. Small-scale trial installation will start in 2027, and large-scale commercialization is targeted for 2030. FAW has launched 66 Ah all-solid-state cells with an energy density of 350 Wh/kg, supporting a vehicle range of 1,120 kilometers, and Hongqi’s high-end models will begin small-batch production in 2027. Geely will roll out its all-solid-state battery packs in 2026, adopting dual technical routes of sulfide and oxide. With room-temperature ionic conductivity exceeding 7 mS/cm, it has solved the industry-wide challenge of interface impedance and will be ready for large-scale mass production in 2027.

Leading battery manufacturers including CATL, Gotion High-Tech and CALB are pressing ahead with intensive R&D. CATL has completed its all-solid-state pilot production line and verified 500 Wh/kg battery samples. Gotion High-Tech achieves a 90% yield rate for semi-solid-state batteries and will realize GWh-level mass production in 2026. CALB’s 60 Ah automotive-grade all-solid-state cells reach 450 Wh/kg, with batch delivery scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026. The national standard Solid-State Batteries for Electric Vehicles – Part 1: Terminology and Classification will take effect in July 2026, standardizing technical routes and product specifications to drive sound industrial development.

III. Industrial Transformation: China Leads the World and Reshapes Electric Mobility

The boom of solid-state batteries marks not only technological progress, but also a shift of China’s new energy industry from a follower to a global leader, restructuring the competitive landscape of the global power battery and automotive industries.

China has achieved independent control over core materials and manufacturing processes, with domestic enterprises making comprehensive layouts in three major technical routes: sulfide, oxide and halide. The room-temperature ionic conductivity of sulfide-based solutions has exceeded 10 mS/cm, reaching the level of liquid electrolytes. Core materials, production equipment and manufacturing techniques are independently developed across the whole industrial chain, eliminating external reliance. The widespread adoption of dry electrode technology cuts production energy consumption by 25% and raises the yield rate to 92%–95%. In-situ curing technology optimizes solid-solid interface contact, addressing key bottlenecks restricting the industrialization of solid-state batteries.

Costs are on a downward track thanks to scaled production. The cost of solid electrolytes has dropped from 4,000 yuan to below 200 yuan. By 2030, the cost of all-solid-state batteries is expected to decrease by more than 50%, matching that of traditional liquid batteries. This will enable solid-state batteries to gradually expand from high-end models to entry-level and mid-range vehicles, allowing more consumers to benefit from technological advances.

Solid-state batteries will profoundly reshape vehicle design. Higher energy density enables smaller, lighter battery packs, freeing up more interior space and allowing more flexible vehicle design. Models such as the Dongfeng eπ007 and GAC Hyper achieve doubled range with unchanged vehicle dimensions, while improving handling and comfort. Thanks to high safety performance, automakers can reduce redundant battery protection structures, lowering vehicle weight and boosting energy efficiency.

The global competitive landscape is being rewritten. In the past, core power battery technologies were dominated by overseas companies. Today, China accounts for over 40% of the world’s solid-state battery projects, taking the lead in mass production progress, performance indicators and industrial supporting facilities. Although foreign automakers are accelerating solid-state battery R&D, their mass production schedules generally lag behind Chinese counterparts. With cutting-edge solid-state battery technology, China will further consolidate its advantages in the new energy industry, drive the global expansion of complete vehicles, batteries, materials and equipment, and strengthen its discourse power in the global market.

IV. Benefits for Users: Safer, More Convenient and Durable Electric Mobility

The ultimate value of solid-state batteries lies in optimizing ordinary users’ travel experience, relieving mobility concerns through technological advancement and making green travel accessible to all.

Doubled driving range completely eliminates mileage anxiety, meeting the demands of intercity commuting and long-distance self-driving tours. There is no need to search for charging piles frequently, and holiday trips are no longer troubled by long charging queues. Ultra-fast charging makes refueling as convenient as filling up gasoline, enabling electric vehicles to match fuel cars in travel efficiency.

Electric vehicles will no longer be limited by extreme cold weather. The problem of severe winter range attenuation in northern regions is completely solved, making electric vehicles a reliable option nationwide and promoting the full popularization of new energy vehicles. Ultra-long battery service life reduces travel costs by cutting battery replacement expenses and improving the cost-effectiveness of electric mobility.

Enhanced safety provides solid protection for daily travel, reassuring family users and long-distance drivers. Solid-state batteries also feature superior environmental performance in production and recycling, aligning with the dual-carbon goals and promoting the sustainable development of the transportation industry.

From laboratories to mass production lines and from high-end vehicles to civilian use, China’s solid-state battery industry has achieved remarkable progress in just a few years, realizing the leap from technological breakthroughs to industrial application. This is not a single product upgrade, but an overall iteration of the power battery industry and the collective rise of China’s new energy sector. The year 2026 is just a starting point. With the full-scale installation of semi-solid-state batteries and the widespread application of all-solid-state batteries, an era of electric mobility featuring doubled range, all-round safety, and convenient fast charging is approaching.

Chinese technology leads global changes, and solid-state batteries shape the future of mobility. When range limitations, safety risks and low-temperature performance drawbacks are fully resolved, new energy vehicles will become the mainstream travel choice for the public. Made-in-China technologies will write a brilliant new chapter in this global industrial revolution.