For years, automakers have touted solid state batteries as a game-changer for electric vehicles (EVs), with Chinese manufacturer Chery now aiming to make that a reality by 2026.
Already Achieving Well
Solid state technology, long anticipated as a revolutionary step in battery development, remains elusive despite brands like Toyota discussing it for years.
But at Chery’s recent global innovation conference, the company outlined an aggressive timeline that could place solid state EVs on the road sooner than expected according to Boosted.
Chery revealed that its current battery prototypes already achieve an energy density of 400 Wh/kg, a figure expected to increase to 600 Wh/kg by 2025. Should development continue smoothly, Chery projects that its first vehicles featuring solid state batteries will be available by 2026.
This technology could potentially deliver a range of up to 1,500 kilometers on a single charge—a significant leap in EV performance.
Ahead of Competition
While several companies are actively developing similar battery technologies, no EV with a solid state battery has reached the market. This year, however, has seen semi-solid state batteries appear in models like the Nio ET7 and IM L6, suggesting incremental progress.
Chery’s confidence in its 2026 timeline, if realized, would put the brand ahead of other automakers like Nissan, which has predicted a later rollout.
In addition to solid state batteries, Chery showcased a range of alternative battery technologies at its conference. These include square lithium iron phosphate batteries, ternary square cells, and large cylindrical ternary cells, some of which promise rapid charging — up to 400 km of range with just a five-minute charge.
Chery also plans to introduce square lithium iron phosphate batteries for EVs with ranges between 200-600 km and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
The large cylindrical cells are expected to power EVs with ranges from 700 to 1,200 kilometers, with PHEVs reaching up to 300 km per charge.
If Chery meets its 2026 target, it will mark a significant advancement for solid state battery adoption, potentially ahead of competitors like Nissan by several years.
