Changan accelerates the implementation of solid-state batteries: the first cars with new batteries will be available by 2026.
Chinese automaker Changan Automobile is seriously accelerating its pace in implementing solid-state batteries. The company officially announced that new types of batteries will begin testing in serial cars by 2026. A year later, in 2027, mass production is planned to start — this is several years ahead of the initial schedule which aimed for a full launch of the technology only by 2030. The key technical benchmark will be an energy density of 400 watt-hours per kilogram, which is significantly higher than the performance of traditional lithium-ion batteries, which today range between 250–300 Wh/kg.
This energy density will allow a significant increase in electric vehicle range without increasing battery mass, and therefore without compromising dynamic performance and efficiency. This is an important step in the race for technological leadership, where Toyota, Honda, and the Chinese giant CATL are also actively participating. CATL, incidentally, recently unveiled its version of a solid-state battery but remains reserved about precise implementation timelines. In this context, Changan's ambition to be first to market appears particularly ambitious.
Amid Changan's rapid advance, Tesla's strategy looks more restrained. The American auto giant has not yet announced a transition to solid-state batteries, instead focusing on the development of next-generation lithium-ion technologies — notably, the 4680 format with dry electrodes already used in some models. Elon Musk highlighted in an interview that: "Solid-state batteries are an interesting direction, but scalability and production reliability remain key." Tesla is actively investing in research on single-crystal electrodes, which according to research groups, can retain up to 80% capacity even after a million miles, though the company is refraining from predictions regarding timelines for the mass adoption of solid-state solutions.
The change of pace is largely due to both internal technological successes and market competition. In the fall of 2023, Changan mentioned 2027 as the start of testing, but progress in scientific research and pressure from competitors forced the company to act more proactively. Furthermore, strong market dynamics served as an impetus. In the first half of 2025, Changan's sales reached 1.355 million vehicles — the best result in almost a decade. The "green" transport segment, in particular, is growing rapidly: electric vehicles and hybrids accounted for almost a third of volume, increasing nearly 49% compared to the same period a year ago. Brands Qiyuan, Deepal, and Avatr are the most notable, showing double-digit growth rates — up to 117% year-on-year.
If the company can implement its announced plans on time, it will be among the first manufacturers in the world to offer solid-state batteries in serial models. This is not only a question of prestige — it's about a safer, more energy-efficient, and durable technology capable of setting a new standard in the electric vehicle market.