Changan announced plans to begin testing solid-state battery technology in electric vehicles by autumn 2026, with mass production scheduled for 2027. The Chinese automaker filed an update on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange confirming the timeline for its “Golden Bell” solid-state battery program.
The company claims its solid-state technology delivers energy density of 400Wh/kg – enabling up to 1,500km of range in electric vehicles.
Changan originally planned to start solid-state testing in 2025 but has pushed the timeline back. The firm will begin trials with robots and EVs in the third quarter of 2026.
Safety and Performance Claims
Changan says its solid-state battery technology improves safety by 70% through remote diagnostics and AI analysis. The company hasn’t released detailed specifications for battery capacity, charging power, or official range figures.
Those details won’t come until testing begins this autumn.
The automaker currently produces the Deepal S05 and S07 electric models using conventional lithium-ion battery technology.
Industry Progress on Solid-State Technology
Solid-state batteries represent the next generation of EV technology. They use different chemistry than today’s lithium-ion batteries – allowing much higher energy density and faster charging speeds.
Manufacturers believe solid-state technology will finally give electric vehicles the same range and refueling convenience as petrol and diesel cars.
Toyota, Mercedes, and Stellantis are among the major automakers developing solid-state batteries. Progress has been slower than the industry initially expected.
Donut Labs recently announced a breakthrough with a single solid-state cell that charges to 80% in four minutes. The company called it the first commercially viable solid-state battery – but further testing is needed to prove the technology works in full-size battery packs.
Alternative Battery Technologies
Changan is also working on sodium-ion battery technology with Chinese battery supplier CATL.
Sodium-ion batteries have lower energy density than current lithium-ion technology. But they use fewer rare earth materials, making them cheaper to produce.
The dual approach gives Changan options for different market segments – high-performance vehicles with solid-state batteries and affordable models with sodium-ion technology.
China’s EV manufacturers are racing to develop next-generation battery technology as competition intensifies in the world’s largest electric vehicle market.
