According to an article from CnEVPost, Dongfeng Motor Corporation is aiming to begin mass production of solid‑state battery packs in September 2026, targeting driving ranges of approximately 1,000 km (about 620 miles) in electric vehicles. The solid‑state battery race is heating up, with more and more manufacturers embracing this technology to push energy density, charging speed, and safety. The initial batches will feature an energy density of around 350 Wh/kg, marking a significant step in next‑generation EV energy storage.
What Dongfeng Is Actually Working On
Dongfeng already has a pilot production line of 0.2 GWh in operation and is developing several variants of high-energy-density batteries: 350 Wh/kg, 400 Wh/kg and ultimately 500 Wh/kg. The 350 Wh/kg version is intended for mass production first, delivering vehicles capable of around 1,000 km of range under ideal test conditions. The company also showcased a high-voltage pure-electric platform exceeding 1,200 V, and power modules based on 1,700 V silicon carbide (SiC) technology.
One of the most striking claims was that when this platform is paired with “12C” fast-charging battery cells and a 2 MW charger, Dongfeng expects the system to deliver enough energy for 450 km of range in just five minutes of charging. Safety and cold-weather performance are also emphasised: the 350 Wh/kg battery reportedly retains more than 72 % of its energy at –30 °C and survived a thermal test at 170 °C, well above the national standard of 130 °C.
Why This Matters and What to Keep in Mind
For EV buyers and industry watchers alike, solid-state and semi-solid-state battery technologies represent a potential leap forward: higher energy density, faster charging and better resilience in extreme conditions. Dongfeng’s announcement signals that the technology is no longer purely lab-bound but heading into pilot and near-mass production phases.
Still, a note of caution is wise. Achieving true 1,000 km driving range in real-world conditions is far more challenging than test-cycle figures suggest, and commercial scale-up often reveals unexpected costs and technical hurdles. The timeline (September 2026) is ambitious, and broader market rollout and pricing have yet to be disclosed.
What It May Mean for Europe and the Global EV Landscape
Though the technology is being developed in China, the ripple effects may reach global markets including Europe. If Dongfeng or its battery partners succeed commercially, it could accelerate the pace at which long-range, fast-charging EVs become viable for mainstream buyers. That could challenge current-generation vehicles and shift competitive dynamics. European manufacturers may feel pressure to respond or collaborate with high-density battery tech sooner than expected.
FAQ
What exactly is Dongfeng developing?
Dongfeng is working on high-energy-density solid-state battery packs, beginning with a 350 Wh/kg variant intended for production starting September 2026. These batteries aim to deliver around 1,000 km of range under ideal conditions.
How significant is 1,000 km of range?
In test cycles it’s a milestone figure, but real-life range will likely be lower. Still, it would represent a meaningful advance in EV capability, potentially reducing range anxiety and charging frequency.
Does this technology apply only in China?
The development is taking place in China, but the implications are global. If the technology becomes commercialised, it could influence EV design and battery supply worldwide, including Europe.
What are the main obstacles?
Scaling from pilot production to mass-market volumes, managing cost, ensuring reliability in diverse driving conditions, and integrating into vehicle platforms all represent significant hurdles.
Should EV buyers wait for this technology?
If you’re shopping today, conventional lithium-ion EVs already offer strong performance. The new technology is exciting but still in development, so buyers should factor in timing, cost and the possibility of earlier mainstream alternatives.
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