Chinese researchers have tested a next-generation solid-state battery that could extend the range of electric cars far beyond current limits. It could travel more than 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) on a single charge, and future versions could go even further.
Scientists at Tianjin’s Nankai University have developed a high-energy solid-state battery system that has already been installed in real vehicles and tested for long-distance driving, university representatives said in a statement.
The technology delivers an energy density of more than 500 watt-hours per kg, which is a 30% increase compared to today’s leading lithium-ion batteries (300Wh/kg), the statement said. Higher battery density means more energy (and range) in a lighter, smaller form factor.
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Details about the specific vehicle in which the battery was tested are sparse, but subsequent reports indicate that it was a prototype developed by China Automobile New Energy Battery (CANEB), a battery manufacturing subsidiary of China FAW Group.
Solid-state batteries offer improvements over traditional batteries in several ways, including safety, the scientists said. The liquid electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries is flammable, but the solid electrolyte is nonflammable and less prone to catastrophic failure. Solid electrolytes may also have a longer lifespan due to reduced degradation from liquid chemistry as well as the growth of dendrites (metallic spikes that cause short circuits).
Although still in the development stage, the high ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes may enable faster charging in some solid state battery materials.
The new battery utilizes a lithium-rich manganese cathode and a hybrid solid-liquid electrolyte system. The hybrid design combines the benefits of solid-state construction with a “super-wet” composite electrolyte for improved ionic conductivity and safety.
Superwetting refers to the electrolyte spreading across the surface and pores of the battery material, completely penetrating it and maximizing the contact between the electrolyte and the active material, allowing ions to move more efficiently. The battery also features lithium anode technology designed to reduce production costs by simplifying the manufacturing process.
The current battery pack has a total capacity of 142 kilowatt-hours (total stored energy in the pack) and has a system-level energy density of 288 Wh/kg instead of 500 Wh/kg, considering the cooling system, wiring, structural support, and safety hardware. This decrease in density is normal and consistent with how EV batteries are reported across the industry.
Developers say future iterations could have 340Wh/kg at the pack level, a total capacity of more than 200kWh, and a range of more than 1,000 miles (1,600km). Demonstrations are expected to begin later this year, the statement said.
The 1,000-mile range would significantly exceed the range of the most advanced EVs currently available. EV.com reports that the median range of EVs built in 2024 was 283 miles (455 km), with the top model having a maximum range of 512 miles (825 km). This highest range is owned by Lucid Air and has yet to be surpassed in 2026.
The solid-state battery results come from a university-industry collaboration and have not yet been independently verified in peer-reviewed research. That said, this study highlights that solid-state batteries are rapidly moving from laboratory experiments to real-world testing and have the potential to reshape EV range, safety, and performance.
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