China Sets 2026 Solid-State EV Battery Standard as Tests Ramp Up

China's National Automotive Standardization Technical Committee has drafted the first standard for solid-state EV batteries, titled “Solid-State Battery for Electric Vehicle Part 1: Terms and Classification.” Released in December 2025, the draft opened for public comments until February 26, 2026, with final approval expected in April and release in July 2026.

Wang Fang, chief scientist at the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), confirmed the timeline at an industry conference. The standard defines key terms like liquid, hybrid (semi-solid-state), solid-liquid, and all-solid-state batteries. It categorizes them by electrolyte typesulfide, oxide, composite, polymer, or halideand conducting ion, either lithium or sodium. It also distinguishes high-energy from high-power variants.

The draft proposes a weight-loss rate limit of no more than 0.5% under vacuum drying to qualify as solid-state, separating true solid-state from hybrids with residual liquids. This threshold may adjust in the final version.

Several automakers are already testing solid-state batteries in vehicles. On February 10, 2026, FAW Group installed what it calls the industry's first lithium-rich manganese semi-solid-state battery pack, boasting cell energy density over 500 Wh/kg and 142 kWh pack capacity for more than 1,000 km (620 miles) CLTC range.

Dongfeng Motors began cold-weather tests last month in Mohe, China's northernmost region, at -30°C (-22°F). Its 350 Wh/kg solid-state battery retains 72% capacity in extreme cold and claims over 1,000 km CLTC range. Dongfeng has a pilot line for 200 MWh annual output, targeting mass production of 350 Wh/kg batteries by September 2026. The batteries support 1C charging and passed thermal tests up to 170°C (338°F), exceeding national standards.

Other players like GAC, BYD, and Geely have announced vehicle installations for testing, signaling rapid progress from labs to roads. Dongfeng's in-house platform covers R&D to pilot production, with breakthroughs in over 10 core technologies and 180+ patent applications.

This standard unifies terminology and criteria, reducing confusion and enabling supply-chain coordination. It accelerates commercialization, positioning China as a leader in next-gen batteries amid global competition. For drivers, it promises safer, longer-range EVs: solid-state tech offers higher energy density, faster charging, better safety without flammable liquids, longer lifespan, and less cooling needs.

One realistic scenario involves a Dongfeng EV owner in Beijing driving 1,000 km from the city to Harbin in winter without range anxiety, charging quickly at 1C rates even after retaining strong performance in subzero temps. This human-centric shift means families can rely on EVs for long trips, cutting fuel costs and emissions.

• Liquid batteries: Traditional with liquid electrolytes.
• Hybrid/semi-solid: Mix of solid and liquid, like FAW's lithium-rich manganese.
• All-solid-state: No liquids, using solid electrolytes for superior density and safety.

Electrolyte options include sulfides for high conductivity but sensitivity, oxides for stability, and polymers for flexibility. The 0.5% mass loss rule ensures minimal liquid presence.

Mass production could start in 2027, following standards and pilots, with initial hybrid models before full solid-state in high-end EVs by late 2020s. Globally, this pressures competitors like Tesla, whose cells may already meet mass loss thresholds, but China's scale could dominate supply chains. Broader standards for battery management (GB/T 38661-2020) and recycling are advancing, supporting full lifecycle regulation. Challenges remain in yield, cost, and scaling, but tests prove viability beyond labs.