Geely, a major Chinese automotive manufacturer, is on track to begin vehicle testing with its self-developed solid-state battery pack by 2026. This marks a significant step forward from laboratory research to practical application, confirming a clear timeline for integration and validation.
Solid-State Battery Development: A Rapidly Evolving Field
The move places Geely among a growing number of Chinese automakers pushing solid-state battery technology toward production. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries that use flammable liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries employ a non-flammable solid electrolyte, promising greater safety and potentially higher energy density. This shift is driven by national industrial priorities in China, where the government actively supports next-generation EV battery innovation.
Geely’s Strategy: Consolidation and Integration
Geely’s push toward solid-state batteries follows a period of internal restructuring. In 2025, the company consolidated its various battery initiatives under Zhejiang Jiyao Tongxing Energy Technology, streamlining cell production and safety development. This move complements its existing Aegis Short Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production, which serves as a foundation for more advanced technologies. The company has also invested in safety testing facilities, including a dedicated site in Ningbo, to ensure rigorous validation standards.
Technological Progress and Competition
Geely’s research units have reportedly achieved energy densities of around 400 Wh/kg in experimental cells, exploring both sulfide and oxide-based electrolyte chemistries. However, it’s not alone in this pursuit. Competitors like Dongfeng, SAIC, and Chery are also aggressively developing solid-state batteries with similar timelines. Dongfeng aims for mass production by 2027, while SAIC’s partner, Qingtao Energy, plans prototype deliveries by the same year.
The Bigger Picture: China’s EV Ambitions
The coordinated push toward solid-state batteries in China isn’t accidental. Government guidance designates 2026 as a key year for accelerating innovation in strategic EV technologies. This includes not only battery advancements but also autonomous driving systems. The focus is on securing leadership in the future of electric vehicles.
What This Means: A Race to Commercialization
Geely’s 2026 target for vehicle testing positions it as a frontrunner in a highly competitive race. While details about the specific vehicle platform remain undisclosed, the announcement confirms that the company is moving beyond theoretical development and into tangible validation. This is crucial because scaling production of solid-state batteries has proven challenging, with issues like material costs and manufacturing complexity remaining obstacles.
The rapid progress in China highlights the urgency to overcome these hurdles and deliver next-generation battery technology. The success of these initiatives will have far-reaching implications for the global EV market.
