China is preparing to introduce its first official standard for solid-state electric vehicle (EV) batteries, marking a significant step toward commercializing the long-promised technology. The move comes as several automakers begin real-world testing of solid-state battery systems.
New Standard Set for 2026
In December, China’s National Automotive Standardization Technical Committee released the first draft of a proposed framework titled “Solid-State Battery for Electric Vehicle – Part 1: Terms and Classification.” The draft was opened for public consultation, with the comment period running until February 26, 2026.
Following a review phase and final deliberations in April, the finalized standard is expected to be officially released in July 2026.
According to Wang Fang, chief scientist at the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), the standard aims to bring clarity to the rapidly evolving solid-state battery sector by defining terminology and classification criteria.
Defining Solid-State Battery Types
The proposed framework categorizes different battery configurations, including:
- Liquid
- Hybrid
- Semi-solid
- Solid-liquid
- All-solid-state
It further classifies batteries by electrolyte type—such as sulfide, oxide, composite, polymer, or halide—as well as by conducting ion (lithium or sodium). The draft also distinguishes between high-energy and high-power battery systems.
One notable provision in the draft sets the allowable weight-loss rate for a battery to qualify as solid-state at no more than 0.5%. Whether this threshold remains unchanged in the final version will be determined during the review process.
Automakers Begin Real-World Testing
Several leading Chinese automakers have already started installing solid-state batteries in vehicles for testing purposes.
Dongfeng, GAC, BYD, and Geely have all announced pilot programs. On February 10, FAW Group revealed it had installed what it described as the industry’s first lithium-rich manganese semi-solid-state battery in a vehicle.
FAW claims the battery cell achieves an energy density exceeding 500 Wh/kg, paired with a 142 kWh battery pack capable of delivering more than 1,000 km (620 miles) of range under China’s CLTC testing cycle.
Dongfeng has also begun cold-weather testing of its solid-state battery prototype. The company says its 350 Wh/kg battery system can similarly provide over 1,000 km of CLTC range.
Production Timeline and Global Race
Major Chinese automakers, including BYD, FAW, and Dongfeng, are targeting initial solid-state battery production around 2027. Early deployment is expected to be limited to premium models, with large-scale mass production projected closer to 2030.
International automakers are on a similar timeline. Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Nissan, and Volkswagen have all announced plans to introduce solid-state battery technology later this decade.
Mercedes-Benz recently revealed it had driven a modified EQS equipped with solid-state batteries for 1,205 km (750 miles) on a single charge. The battery cells were supplied by US-based Factorial Energy, which also partners with Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis through its FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) platform.
Factorial recently launched its first US passenger vehicle solid-state battery program in collaboration with Karma Automotive.
The Bigger Picture
Solid-state batteries are widely viewed as a potential breakthrough in EV technology, offering higher energy density, improved safety, faster charging, and longer driving range compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
However, they are not the only next-generation chemistry under development. The global battery industry continues to explore multiple technologies aimed at reducing costs and accelerating EV adoption.
China’s upcoming standard could play a critical role in shaping the global solid-state battery landscape by providing a formal framework just as the technology transitions from laboratory development to real-world deployment.
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