China’s FAW Group is accelerating the development of solid-state batteries for its Hongqi brand, targeting small-batch production of flagship sedans and SUVs by the end of 2027. According to recent Chinese reports, FAW has moved beyond laboratory trials, completing the prototype run of 66 Ah solid-state cells and partnering with 27 industry players on research, development, and testing. These collaborations are focused on overcoming key technical hurdles—such as energy density, cycle life, thermal management, and scalability—while validating the cells under real-world automotive conditions.
Industry analysts project that all-solid-state batteries could enter limited vehicle deployment in China as early as 2026–2027, aligning with FAW’s schedule. Initial implementations are expected to deliver energy densities of approximately 350–400 Wh/kg. Longer-term forecasts anticipate improvements to 400–500 Wh/kg by 2030 and beyond 500 Wh/kg by 2035, suggesting notable gains in driving range and safety compared with current lithium-ion systems.
FAW’s strategy combines in-house electrification efforts with an extensive partner network to accelerate commercialization. Solid-state cells are slated to debut in Hongqi’s higher-end models, with broader rollout tied to ongoing performance improvements and cost reductions over the coming decade. The company’s timeline signals when established Chinese automakers may begin integrating next-generation battery technologies into consumer vehicles, potentially narrowing the gap with newer electric-vehicle specialists.
The broader Chinese solid-state battery landscape has drawn significant investor interest this year, with concept stocks posting strong gains and several developers reporting triple-digit growth. Other automotive groups, such as GAC, have similarly advanced large-capacity pilot production lines, underscoring an industry-wide shift toward scalable, next-generation energy storage solutions.
National policy support for advanced energy storage further bolsters FAW’s plans, aligning with China’s long-term vision for electric-vehicle technology leadership. While mass production of solid-state batteries has not yet begun, FAW’s prototype testing and collaborative framework pave a clear path from development to commercial deployment. By 2027, Hongqi vehicles could become among the first premium models in China to feature solid-state battery technology, potentially setting new benchmarks for performance and safety.
Source: Car News China
