In a groundbreaking development for the electric vehicle industry, Chinese automaker Chery has introduced a solid-state battery prototype boasting an energy density of 600 watt-hours per kilogram. This figure nearly doubles the capacity of current lithium-ion technologies and promises to power electric vehicles for up to 808 miles on a single charge. Chery’s announcement sets a new benchmark, positioning it ahead of its Western counterparts in the race to commercialize the next generation of battery technology by 2027.
Should this innovation transition to mass production, it would represent a significant leap from the typical 250-300 Wh/kg performance of today’s premium EV batteries. By potentially eliminating range anxiety, Chery could reinforce China’s dominance in the critical component of electric vehicle manufacturing, a sector where Western automakers are striving to keep pace with China’s rapid advancements and cost efficiencies.
Technical Breakthroughs and Safety Assurances
Chery’s Solid-State Battery Research Institute developed the innovative prototype using an in-situ polymerized solid electrolyte system combined with a lithium-rich manganese cathode. The technology was showcased at Chery’s Global Innovation Conference in Wuhu, China, on October 18. According to the company, vehicles equipped with this battery could achieve up to 932 miles per charge in theory, with practical driving ranges likely to reach 808 miles. This more than doubles the range of most current long-range EVs, which typically offer between 300-400 miles.
In terms of safety, Chery’s tests revealed the battery’s resilience. It withstood extreme abuse tests, including nail penetration and power-drill damage, without catching fire or emitting smoke, addressing a primary safety concern associated with the flammable liquid electrolytes in conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Ambitious Production Goals Set for 2027
Chery has set an aggressive timeline, aiming for pilot production in 2026 and a full-scale rollout in 2027. Achieving this schedule would place Chery ahead of domestic competitors BYD and CATL, both of which are targeting smaller-scale solid-state production during the same timeframe.
This announcement aligns with Chery’s current market momentum. The company exported 137,624 vehicles in September, a 26.2% increase from the previous year, marking the fifth consecutive month of exports exceeding 100,000 units. Chery reported $19.5 billion in revenue for the first half of 2025, an increase of 26.3% year-over-year.
Following its major Hong Kong IPO earlier this year, the largest Chinese automaker listing of 2025, Chery allocated 35% of proceeds to vehicle R&D and 25% to next-generation technologies, highlighting the strategic importance of solid-state battery development in its global strategy.
Intensifying Global Competition
Chery’s announcement comes amidst a global race towards solid-state technology, distinguished by its energy density. While Chery targets 600 Wh/kg, Western automakers are aiming for lower figures with extended timelines. For instance, Mercedes-Benz tested a modified EQS achieving 749 miles using solid-state batteries from Factorial Energy, yet the energy density remains undisclosed, with mass production slated for decade’s end.
Meanwhile, Toyota is partnering with Sumitomo Metal Mining to produce cathode materials for solid-state batteries, with a production launch anticipated between 2027 and 2028. Stellantis, in collaboration with Factorial Energy, validated 375 Wh/kg semi-solid-state cells and plans for a demonstration fleet by 2026, which is just 62% of Chery’s claimed performance.
Challenges of Cost and Infrastructure
Despite the promising advancements, significant challenges remain before solid-state batteries can be mainstreamed in EVs. Currently, the cost of solid-state batteries is approximately 2.8 times higher than conventional lithium-ion packs due to the high expense of sulfide materials and low production yields. Although Chery Chairman Yin Tongyue has not disclosed specific pricing, the company’s aggressive timeline suggests confidence in reducing costs through scaled manufacturing. Given China’s dominance in battery supply chains and raw material processing, Chery may possess advantages that Western competitors do not.
Infrastructure poses another potential obstacle. Even if EVs achieve an 808-mile range, efficient charging requires compatible networks, as most current vehicles cannot handle 600-kilowatt charging speeds. Without concurrent advancements in charging hardware and grid capacity, the theoretical range and speed benefits may not be fully realized.
According to EVTank projections, global shipments of solid-state batteries could reach 614 gigawatt-hours by 2030, accounting for more than 10% of total battery production and a market valued at over $34 billion.
Original Story at evxl.co