Dongfeng's new generation of high energy density solid-state battery. Credit: Hubei Daily Understand China EV’s Market Real-time notifications when critical EV data is released All important data in one place 2,000,000+ data points Become a member Dongfeng Motor‘s solid-state batteries are scheduled for mass production and vehicle integration in the second half of 2026, as reported by Hubei government’s newspaper. This battery boasts an energy density of 350Wh/kg and is expected to enable new energy vehicles (NEVs) to exceed a driving range of 1,000km. Enhanced safety Unlike conventional liquid lithium-ion batteries, which rely on liquid electrolytes that pose fire risks during collisions or overheating, Dongfeng’s solid-state battery replaces these with a solid electrolyte. This design change reduces the risk of combustion and explosions. The company has subjected these batteries to rigorous safety testing, including extreme compression tests where the battery remains operational even after being deformed by 50%, and heat exposure tests at 170°C, where the battery shows no signs of smoke or fire. The cell development engineer is carrying out battery assembly. Core technology Dongfeng has adopted the oxide-polymer composite technical route, which is widely recognised in the industry as the most viable path for rapid mass-market adoption due to its mature raw material supply chain and compatibility with existing production equipment. Zhang Wei, head of the solid-state battery laboratory at Dongfeng’s R&D Institute. According to Zhang Wei, head of the solid-state battery laboratory at Dongfeng’s R&D Institute, the company has achieved 100% self-reliance in core technologies, covering everything from electrodes and solid electrolytes to full battery pack integration. The company has established a comprehensive R&D and production base that integrates laboratory testing, trial production, and pilot lines. Performance in extreme conditions Testing conducted in the extreme cold of Mohe earlier this year demonstrated the battery’s resilience. In temperatures as low as -30°C, the battery retained over 74% of its charge, with a total range exceeding 1,000 km. Furthermore, the new battery pack is 30% lighter than traditional lithium-ion counterparts, allowing for increased range without adding weight to the vehicle. In early 2026, Dongfeng’s solid-state battery prototype underwent cold-weather calibration testing in Mohe, China. Industry context and future outlook Dongfeng is not alone in this race; other major players like GAC, CATL, and FAW are also aggressively pursuing solid-state battery technology with various timelines for mass production between 2026 and 2027. To accelerate its own progress, Dongfeng formed the Hubei Solid-State Battery Industry Technology Innovation Consortium in May 2026, partnering with 18 academic and industrial institutions. Dongfeng’s R&D team is also working on next-generation fast-charging solid-state batteries and even higher energy density solutions, with plans to introduce further advancements by 2027. Dongfeng is one of China’s oldest car manufacturers. In 2025, Dongfeng Motor’s total sales reached 2.47 million units, with new energy vehicle sales hitting 1.05 million units – a 21% increase year-on-year. Annual sales of its own-brand vehicles (Voyah, Yipai, Nammi, etc) surpassed 1.5 million units, accounting for over 60% of total sales. Dongfeng’s solid-state battery pilot line is currently in production.
