Chery to test solid-state batteries next year with 400 watt-hours per kilogram energy density
Chinese exporter Chery Automobile plans to start testing solid-state batteries next year, targeting a 400 watt-hour per kilogram energy density and investing 1.49 billion USD.
Chery Automobile, China's largest car exporter by delivery volume, confirmed plans to begin testing solid-state batteries next year. The state-owned company is based in Anhui province and aims to commercialize this technology to accelerate the global electrification of the automotive industry. Yin Tongyue, the chairman, stated at the World Power Battery Conference that Chery would invest 10 billion yuan (US$1.49 billion) over the next two years in developing the new battery systems. He noted that 1,200 engineers would be deployed to pursue technological breakthroughs.
Tongyue emphasized that the company will not install these batteries unless they prove absolutely safe. The proposed technology targets an energy density of 400 watt-hours per kilogram, double the capacity of current electric vehicle batteries. Solid-state batteries utilize a solid electrolyte instead of the liquid or gel-based materials found in conventional lithium-ion cells. While analysts describe the technology as superior with higher safety and longer range, the chairman insisted on rigorous safety validation before any production rollout. Cost reduction remains a critical hurdle for consumer adoption even if the technology matures successfully.
