Solid-state batteries are finally shipping. Dongfeng Motor will mass-produce and integrate its solid-state batteries in the second half of 2026, with an energy density of 350Wh/kg that enables new energy vehicles to exceed 1,000 km of range. The company adopted the oxide-polymer composite route, widely seen as the most viable path for rapid mass-market adoption (CarNewsChina, 2026).
Dongfeng is not alone. GAC, CATL, and FAW are all pursuing solid-state battery technology with timelines for mass production between 2026 and 2027. SAIC has already launched the MG 4X electric SUV with a semi-solid-state battery starting at under $15,000, and is bringing its MG SolidCore battery to Europe in 2026 (electrek.co, 2026).
What makes solid-state different?
Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte in conventional lithium-ion cells with a solid one. That allows higher energy density, faster charging, improved safety, and better performance in cold weather. Dongfeng's battery retained 74% of its charge at -30°C in testing in Mohe, with a total range exceeding 1,000 km, and the pack is 30% lighter than traditional lithium-ion counterparts (CarNewsChina, 2026).
Who is shipping what?
SAIC launched the MG 4X in China in May 2026 with a 53.9 kWh semi-solid-state battery from SAIC Qingtao, starting at 99,800 yuan ($14,700). FAW installed the "industry's first" lithium-rich manganese semi-solid-state battery with a cell energy density exceeding 500 Wh/kg and a 142 kWh pack enabling over 1,000 km of CLTC range (electrek.co, 2026).
| Company | Type | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Dongfeng | All-solid-state, 350Wh/kg | Mass production H2 2026 |
| SAIC | Semi-solid-state (MG4X) | On sale May 2026 |
| FAW | Semi-solid (500Wh/kg cell) | Installed Feb 2026 |
| BYD | All-solid-state (sulfide) | Limited batches 2027 |
| Chery | All-solid-state (600Wh/kg cell) | Mass production 2027 |
The 2027 ramp
BYD plans to begin producing sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries in limited batches in 2027, ramping up to mass production by 2030. The first models will likely come from BYD's high-end sub-brands like Denza, Yangwang, and Feng Chang Bao before trickling down to mass-market vehicles. SAIC and partner Qingtao Energy aim for mass production of their "Guangqi" all-solid-state battery in 2027 (electrek.co, 2026).
All-solid-state EV batteries have reached a critical stage, but there are still hurdles as the new tech moves to commercialization.
— Lian Yubo, BYD chief scientist
What does this mean for buyers?
For most buyers, the benefits are incremental at first. MG's semi-solid-state battery costs about the same to produce as its LFP batteries, so it arrives in a budget-oriented model at a comparable price. The real gains, longer range and faster charging, come with the next generation of all-solid-state cells expected around 2030 (carmagazine.co.uk, 2026).
Sources and further reading
- CarNewsChina — Dongfeng to mass-produce solid-state batteries in H2 2026
- Electrek — BYD plans to bring all-solid-state batteries to EVs by 2027
- CAR Magazine — MG launches first semi-solid-state battery in Europe
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Bottom line
For most buyers, the benefits are incremental at first. MG's semi-solid-state battery costs about the same to produce as its LFP batteries, so it arrives in a budget-oriented model at a comparable price. The real gains, longer range and faster charging, come with the next generation of all-solid-state cells expected around 2030 (carmagazine.co.uk, 2026).
What we still don't know
This is a fast-moving story. We update the post as new facts land — and we'll flag it when we do.
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