XPeng announced on October 28, 2026, that solid-state batteries designed for its Iron humanoid robot have entered small-batch production. The batteries are being produced ahead of the complete robot, which remains in the pre-production stage.
XPeng Vice President Gu Jie said the dedicated battery uses a high-energy-density design intended to address the limited internal space available in the robot. The company has also revised its battery standards for robotic applications, including a design intended to prevent the spread of thermal runaway. According to Gu, the batteries can withstand impact and nail-penetration tests.
The latest disclosure does not specify the batteries’ energy density, production volume or exact chemistry. XPeng said when it unveiled the new-generation Iron in November 2025 that the robot would use all-solid-state batteries to balance weight, energy density and safety.
However, a report published on September 3 said the production version would instead use high-energy-density solid-liquid hybrid, or semi-solid-state, batteries because all-solid-state technology had not reached commercialization in time for the robot’s production schedule. The report also said XPeng had selected a second-tier Chinese battery manufacturer as its primary supplier. XPeng has not publicly confirmed a technology change, and the latest update does not clarify how the two battery approaches are related.
XPeng commissioned its Iron production line on September 8, with the robot completing automated final assembly and walking off the line autonomously. The company said more than 80% of the line’s core processes were automated and that it had introduced an automotive-grade quality system.
The company plans to begin mass production of Iron by the end of 2026, followed by launches and deliveries in China and overseas markets in 2027. Initial applications will include stores, where the robot is intended to provide shopping assistance and product introductions.
Source: CnEVPost
