China FAW Group’s premium marque Hongqi has installed its first all-solid-state battery pack in the Tiangong 06 prototype, marking the brand’s transition into real-vehicle testing of next-generation battery technology. The battery module was fitted on December 31 at Hongqi’s R&D headquarters, following 470 days of focused development.
Hongqi has not released specific figures for the battery’s energy density or the vehicle’s driving range. However, the company emphasized that all-solid-state batteries represent a key evolution for automotive powertrains, offering higher energy density and improved safety compared with conventional lithium-ion cells. Development of these systems remains challenging, encompassing materials science, cell engineering, manufacturing processes, and complete system integration.
According to Hongqi, its research team achieved significant milestones in sulfide electrolyte formulation, demonstrated stable 10-ampere-hour cell performance, and developed manufacturing techniques for 60-ampere-hour cells. These technical advances address critical barriers in electrolyte conductivity, electrode compatibility, and scalable production. The prototype rollout also reflects progress in high-voltage module encapsulation and lightweight integration, elements considered essential for efficient mass production.
Over the course of the development program, Hongqi engineers conducted hundreds of tests to refine cell and pack designs, optimize thermal management, and validate high-pressure assembly processes. The comprehensive testing campaign helped identify and overcome integration challenges, setting the stage for further validation in real-world driving scenarios.
Industry observers view solid-state batteries as the next frontier for electric vehicles, with the potential to deliver driving ranges of up to 1,000 kilometers on a single charge. Major battery suppliers and automakers are targeting small-scale integration of solid-state systems by 2027. Some manufacturers are pursuing even more ambitious timelines: one leading automaker has signaled plans to begin mass production of solid-state packs capable of a 1,000-kilometer range by September 2026. Hongqi’s prototype deployment underscores the accelerating pace of innovation in the field.
Source: CNEV Post
