Chinese EV giant tests solid-state batteries with 620 miles range

Another of China’s “Big Four” automakers began testing solid-state EV batteries in vehicles this week, promising over 620 miles (1,000 km) of range.

Chinese EV makers test long-range solid-state batteries

Dongfeng Motor’s sub-brand, Yipai Technology, announced on its WeChat page late last night that the company has begun testing a solid-state battery prototype in extreme cold weather conditions.

The prototype is equipped with Dongfeng Motor’s 350 Wh/kg solid-state battery, which the company claims can deliver more than 620 miles (1,000 km) of CLTC driving range.

In November, Donfeng said its solid-state EV batteries passed a 170℃ (338°F) hot box test without burning or exploding, far exceeding China’s national standard of 130℃ (266°F). Even more impressively, the battery retained up to 72% of its energy at -30℃ (-22°F).

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Dongfeng’s latest tests are taking place in China’s northernmost city, Mohe, best known as a cold-weather testing hub. focuses on three areas under frigid cold-weather conditions: range, charging, and durability.

Dongfeng Motors solid-state EV batteries (Source: Dongfeng Motors)

The company has already completed over 70 tests in extreme cold conditions ranging from -40℃ (-40°F) to -30℃ (-22°F).

According to Dongfeng, the new solid-state EV batteries are safer, more energy-dense, and enable longer driving ranges of over 1,000 km (620 miles).

Dongfeng Motors’ new energy vehicles (NEVs) (Source: Dongfeng Motor)

The Chinese auto giant said it has completed a 0.2 GWh solid-state battery pilot production line, with the first units already rolling off the line. Dongfeng noted last August that the next-gen batteries would be ready for use in vehicles in 2026, with plans to begin mass production by September.

Electrek’s Take

Dongfeng is just one of many Chinese automakers advancing the “holy grail” of EV batteries, as they are often called.

SAIC Motor, GAC Group, Changan Auto, CATL, and BYD are also developing solid-state EV batteries, with plans to launch mass production between 2027 and 2030.

Chinese brands are not the only ones betting on the new battery tech. German automakers Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen are all planning to introduce solid-state batteries.

Mercedes announced in September that it drove a modified Mercedes EQS over 745 miles (1,200 km) on a single charge, using US-based Factorial Energy’s solid-state battery cells.

Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Stellantis, Hyundai, and others are also racing to introduce the next generation of EV batteries over the next few years.

Which will be first to market? The first solid-state batteries are expected to be used in higher-end models at first, around 2027 or 2028. Closer toward the end of the decade, they could reach the mass market.

Source: IT Home, Yipai Technology

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