Chinese battery manufacturer CATL has confirmed plans to begin small-scale trial production of solid-state battery (SSB) cells in 2027, matching a similar timeline recently announced by rival BYD. Solid-state technology is viewed by many in the EV industry as a key advancement, offering higher energy density, reduced weight and improved safety over conventional lithium-ion batteries.
During a mid-year investor Q&A, CATL representatives described their ongoing SSB research as “industry-leading” and outlined intentions to operate pilot production lines by 2027. Company leadership has tempered expectations for rapid commercialization, noting that SSB development remains at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4, where cells are still validated in laboratory settings. Chief Scientist Wu Kai said CATL aims to reach TRL 7 or 8 by 2027, enabling real-world evaluation alongside pilot manufacturing.
BYD, meanwhile, secured six new patents at the end of July covering SSB material chemistry, manufacturing processes and quality control. The automaker’s approach uses a dual-electrolyte cathode that combines solid halide and sulfide components, replacing traditional liquid electrolytes. Like CATL, BYD has earmarked 2027 for its own trial production of solid-state cells.
CATL Chairman Dr. Robin Zeng has estimated that the first commercial SSB applications will be limited to high-end electric vehicles priced at or above 250,000 yuan (approximately 37,000 USD), given initial engineering constraints. Earlier market research published by the company indicates that large-scale SSB adoption—defined as powering one million vehicles annually—may not be achievable until after 2030.
As China’s largest battery producer, CATL reported installed capacity of 32.59 GWh in June 2026 and holds roughly 43.2% of the domestic market. The race to bring SSB technology from the lab to the assembly line has also drawn interest from smaller battery firms and automakers, each seeking to claim a foothold in what many consider the “holy grail” of EV energy storage.
Source: CarNewsChina
