SAIC Motor reports that its partner Qingtao Power’s all-solid-state battery production line in Anting has completed full-line commissioning. The company expects sample cells to roll off the line by the end of this year, with prototype vehicles scheduled for testing in 2026 and commercial mass delivery planned for 2027, according to IT-home.
SAIC has previously outlined performance targets for the new solid-state chemistry, including a gravimetric energy density above 400 Wh/kg, a volumetric energy density exceeding 820 Wh/L, and single-cell capacities greater than 75 Ah. These metrics were shared in earlier corporate communications and technology briefings.
In safety evaluations, the cells passed nail-penetration tests and withstood exposure to 200 °C in a thermal chamber without catching fire or exploding. SAIC also reports low-temperature capacity retention above 90 percent. The company characterizes these results as laboratory and validation data aligned with its development roadmap.
SAIC’s engagement in solid-state battery research extends back several years. Collaborative investment with Qingtao Energy and the formation of a joint laboratory have been central to accelerating development, industry sources say. These efforts are part of a multi-year program aimed at moving the technology from laboratory samples to vehicle integration.
Analysts caution that commissioning and controlled safety tests are important milestones but do not guarantee long-term manufacturability, cost efficiency or field reliability. Achieving commercial success will depend on consistent mass-production yields, supply-chain readiness and real-world durability data obtained through fleet testing. No details on pricing or commercialization terms have been disclosed.
China’s broader solid-state battery landscape includes several other initiatives. GAC Group has built a 60 Ah+ production line with small-batch cells already in production and mass output targeted for 2027–2030. Chery has unveiled a 600 Wh/kg module for pilot vehicles in 2026 and broader deployment in 2027. Battery maker Sunwoda is developing a 400 Wh/kg cell with a projected 1,000 km range and 1,200-cycle lifespan. Some industry participants project mass-scale solid-state production closer to 2030, illustrating varied timelines across the sector.
Source: Car News China
