Solid-state batteries in China: still a long way from commercialization.
At the World Battery Conference 2025 in Sichuan, industry leaders stated that solid-state batteries could be installed in demonstration vehicles from 2027 and mass-produced after 2030.
Chinese battery and automotive leaders agree that solid-state batteries are still a long way from mass commercialization. At the World Battery Conference 2025 in Sichuan on November 12th, many emphasized that small-scale installations for demonstration vehicles might only be possible around 2027, with actual mass production likely to only begin after 2030, according to First Finance.
Technical reality: distance from the laboratory to the factory
Wu Chengxin, Vice Chairman of the All-China Solid State Battery Industry-University Research Collaborative Innovation Platform, stated that despite the industry's efforts towards breakthroughs, solid-state batteries still face numerous challenges. He emphasized the need for crucial scientific analysis, device development, and design work before commercialization, viewing this as a long-term research process.
A cautious timeline: a 2027 demonstration, with mass distribution only expected after 2030.
Yang Hongxin, Chairman and CEO of SVOLT Energy Technology, believes that small-scale demonstration vehicle installations could be feasible by 2027. However, for large-scale commercialization, costs need to be significantly reduced and the supply chain more complete; actual mass production may not occur until after 2030.
Taking a more cautious approach, Deng Chenghao, Vice President and Chairman of Deepal at Changan Automobile, assessed 2030 as only the most optimistic scenario; a more realistic target might be 2035. He cautioned against over-expecting outcomes, as online discussions often exaggerate small research advances as breakthroughs.
| Figure | Organization | Key takeaway | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yang Hongxin | SVOLT Energy Technology | The demo vehicle was shown first; cost reductions and improvements to the supply chain are needed. | Showcase in 2027; large-scale production after 2030 |
| Deng Chenghao | Changan Automobile (Deepal) | 2030 is the most optimistic; 2035 is more realistic. | Large-scale commercialization 2030–2035 |
| Zhang Jinhua | China Association of Automotive Engineers | Large-scale commercial solid-liquid hybrids; fully experimental and limited solid-liquid hybrids. | Around 2030 |
| Wu Chengxin | China-wide Solid State Battery Industry Research-University-Industry Collaborative Innovation Platform | Long-term research, equipment, and design are needed before commercialization. | No timeframe specified. |
Semi-solid batteries and liquid batteries: short-term evolutionary trajectories
According to Deng Chenghao, both liquid and semi-solid batteries still have significant potential and should not be phased out prematurely. Solid-liquid hybrid batteries are seen as an evolutionary step to improve safety and energy density, while liquid battery systems continue to have room for innovation.
Mr. Yang Hongxin added that for consumers planning to buy a car in the next 3–5 years, existing liquid and semi-solid batteries remain suitable options, given the rapid adoption of semi-solid batteries in practical applications.
Outlook 2030 according to the association
Presenting the 2030 Battery Development Outlook report at the opening ceremony, Zhang Jinhua, President of the China Association of Automotive Engineers, predicted that solid-liquid hybrid batteries will be commercially used on a large scale by 2030. At the same time, all-solid-state batteries are expected to complete testing and be deployed on a limited scale.
Production capacity and capital flow: increasing rapidly but cautiously.
China has held the position of the world's largest producer of solid-state batteries for eight consecutive years. From January to September 2025, domestic battery sales reached 786 GWh; exports exceeded 129 GWh, representing increases of 48.9% and 32.75% respectively compared to the same period the previous year. Despite strong production growth, experts emphasize that solid-state batteries will need many more years to be ready for mass commercialization.
The 2025 conference included six thematic sessions on battery recycling, storage innovation, international logistics, and industry cooperation. A total of 180 new projects were signed with a total investment value of 86.13 billion yuan (approximately US$11.9 billion), covering areas such as batteries, new energy storage, photovoltaics, and smart electric vehicles.
A call to develop the platform.
Wan Gang, President of the China Association for Science and Technology, called for continued innovation in high-energy, high-safety liquid battery systems, while persistently overcoming the technical limitations in solid-state and hybrid battery systems.
The key takeaway.
The overall message from the conference was one of caution: solid-state batteries are not ready for large-scale commercialization in the short term. For now, liquid and semi-solid battery systems will play a dominant role, while solid-liquid hybrids are more likely to be widely commercialized around 2030. This roadmap requires parallel research into the fundamentals, investment in equipment, cost optimization, and the completion of the supply chain.
