Photo Credit: GeelyGeely is pointing to a possible breakthrough for drivers who remain uneasy about stopping for electric vehicle charging.According to InsideEVs, the company plans to begin piloting a solid-state battery in 2027 that could deliver up to 621 miles per charge, and the tech may eventually appear in a Volvo.Here's what to knowGeely expects to start 2027 trials of the battery across its brand lineup, the company said in a LinkedIn post.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat group includes Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Zeekr, Smart, and several others, giving the new battery more than one possible path from testing into production vehicles.Among Geely's targets are more than 621 miles (1,000 kilometers) of range per charge and an energy density of about 227 watt-hours per pound (500 watt-hours per kilogram), which InsideEVs noted is roughly double the cell-level density of the company's current Golden Brick batteries.Geely also says the battery is engineered to last more than 600,000 miles.If those numbers hold up in real-world use, they could mean fewer charging stops, longer-lasting vehicles, and lower operating costs.More backgroundInsideEVs pointed out that solid-state batteries have long been framed as a major step forward for EVs because they could hold more energy in a smaller, lighter package. AdvertisementAdvertisementThey may also use less volatile materials than conventional lithium-ion batteries, which could improve safety and reduce the risk of thermal runaway.More range can make road trips easier, and stronger battery performance can help ease some of the stress around access to charging.Longer battery life could also help protect resale value and make EV ownership more practical for people who keep their vehicles for many years.Lighter, more durable batteries can improve vehicle efficiency, helping households and businesses spend less on energy.Even so, a pilot program is very different from mass production, and testing the battery across several brands does not mean shoppers will see it in dealerships.What's being done?For Geely, the next phase is to take the battery from development into a pilot program.AdvertisementAdvertisementMany battery breakthroughs stall before they reach factory scale, where cost, consistency, and safety testing become much more difficult.If the project succeeds, InsideEVs anticipates Volvo could be a natural place for the technology to land. As a premium brand, Volvo may be better positioned to absorb the higher costs that often come with early-generation battery systems, at least before prices fall with wider adoption.More competition in advanced EV batteries could push the industry toward longer-range cars, faster innovation, and vehicles that save drivers time at the charger while helping reduce tailpipe pollution in cities.The bigger question is whether Geely can turn promising specifications into high-volume production. Where can I learn more?Geely's solid-state push is part of a wider race to build batteries that store more energy, last longer, and make EV ownership easier. These articles add context, from CATL and Innolith pursuing next-generation chemistry to Volvo finding new use for batteries after their time on the road.AdvertisementAdvertisement• CATL says its semi-solid state battery might deliver enough energy for passenger airplanes.• Innolith plans its high-performance I-State battery for EVs, betting on a new chemistry.• Volvo and Connected Energy are giving old EV batteries second lives in storage.• Automakers are revisiting range-extender EV systems to ease charging worries on longer trips.• In South Korea, companies are turning used EV batteries into tools for farming.Across those examples, battery advances are reshaping everything from range expectations to battery reuse. That context makes Geely's pilot worth watching as the industry works to turn bold lab claims into everyday vehicles.AdvertisementAdvertisementGet TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
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