China’s Changan to Trial 900-Mile Solid-State EV Batteries by 2026

The electric vehicle landscape is poised for a significant shift, with China leading the charge in solid-state battery technology. Even as some Western automakers, like Ford and Porsche, are reassessing their EV strategies, Chinese manufacturers are accelerating development of next-generation batteries. Changan Automobile, a major player in the Chinese EV market, intends to begin trials of solid-state batteries in its electric vehicles before the third quarter of 2026, CarNewsChina reports. This move comes as Chinese EV brands, including BYD, are gaining ground on Tesla in both production and technological advancement.

Beyond Changan: A National Push

Changan isn’t alone in this endeavor. GAC, another Chinese automaker, is planning a limited trial of solid-state batteries in its Hyptec electric SUV in 2026, with deliveries anticipated by the complete of the year. The ambition extends beyond passenger vehicles; Changan also plans to integrate these solid-state battery cells into its robotics applications. Currently, Changan is claiming an energy density of 400 Wh/kg for its solid-state batteries, potentially enabling a range of 1,500 kilometers (approximately 900 miles) on a single charge. This is a substantial leap compared to current lithium-ion technology.

Density and Range: A Comparative View

For context, Tesla’s lithium-ion battery cells typically fall below 300 Wh/kg, delivering an average range of around 400 miles. The higher energy density of solid-state batteries allows for increased range without necessarily increasing the size or weight of the battery pack – a critical factor, as the battery pack constitutes a significant portion of an EV’s overall weight and impacts its efficiency. This is a key advantage as manufacturers strive to improve vehicle performance and reduce costs.

The Advantages of Solid-State Technology

Solid-state batteries offer benefits beyond just energy density. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, they lack liquid components, which significantly reduces the risk of fires. Nissan, which aims to launch vehicles with in-house all-solid-state batteries by 2028, highlights the improved safety profile, faster charging capabilities, and enhanced thermal stability of this technology. The absence of a liquid electrolyte also allows for the use of potentially cheaper and more abundant electrode materials.

Faster Charging and Temperature Resilience

Research from the University of California, Riverside, suggests that solid-state batteries could dramatically reduce charging times, potentially bringing the 0-80% charge time down to just 12 minutes, compared to the 30-45 minutes typical of current lithium-ion batteries. Solid-state batteries demonstrate superior performance in extreme temperatures. Dongfeng, a Chinese automaker, has showcased a solid-state battery that retained 72% of its energy capacity at minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sodium-Ion Alternatives and Hybrid Approaches

Changan is also pursuing alternative battery technologies, including sodium-based Naxtra batteries, designed to operate effectively in sub-zero temperatures while still providing a range exceeding 400 kilometers (248 miles). This diversification suggests a hedging strategy, acknowledging that solid-state technology may face hurdles in mass production and cost reduction. Interestingly, Chinese researchers are also exploring hybrid liquid-solid-state lithium batteries, which have demonstrated resilience in cold weather, retaining 85% of their capacity at minus 29 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Lithium-Ion Counterpoint

Despite the promise of solid-state batteries, lithium-ion technology isn’t ready for obsolescence. Innovations in lithium-ion chemistry, such as new electrolyte formulations, are pushing the boundaries of energy density. Chinese researchers have reportedly developed a lithium-based battery with an energy density of 700 Wh/kg, nearly double the theoretical limit of conventional lithium batteries. This suggests that improvements to existing technology could provide a competitive bridge while solid-state batteries mature.

Implications for the Automotive Industry

The rapid development of solid-state battery technology in China has significant implications for the global automotive industry. If successful, these advancements could give Chinese automakers a substantial competitive advantage, potentially reshaping the EV market. Western manufacturers facing challenges in their EV transitions may need to accelerate their own research and development efforts or seek partnerships with Chinese companies to access this cutting-edge technology. The shift also impacts the supply chain, potentially increasing demand for materials used in solid-state battery production and creating new opportunities for suppliers.

What to Watch: Production Scalability and Cost

The key challenge for solid-state batteries remains scaling up production and reducing costs. While the technology has demonstrated promising performance in laboratory settings, mass manufacturing presents significant hurdles. The cost of materials and the complexity of the manufacturing process could initially make solid-state batteries more expensive than lithium-ion alternatives. Monitoring Changan and GAC’s progress in 2026 will be crucial, as will tracking any announcements regarding production capacity, manufacturing partnerships, and cost reduction strategies. The success of these initial trials will be a bellwether for the future of solid-state battery technology and its impact on the global EV market.