China’s new national standard for solid-state batteries came into force on July 1, 2026, setting strict requirements for battery classification and manufacturing. The regulation aims to eliminate ambiguous semi-solid-state labels and ensure only fully compliant cells are marketed as solid-state. Major automakers and battery suppliers are now racing to meet these standards and scale up production.
New Regulatory Framework for Solid-State Batteries
The new law requires automotive battery cells to pass a vacuum chamber test at 120°C for six hours to measure volatile mass loss. For a cell to be officially designated as all-solid-state, the remaining liquid electrolyte mass must be less than 5% of the total cell weight. This technical baseline clarifies which products can be marketed as true solid-state batteries and sets a clear path for manufacturers.
Factory Progress and Industry Leaders
Doctex has launched a GWh-scale manufacturing facility in Tianjin, producing certified solid-state cells with an energy density of 350 Wh/kg. These cells can extend driving range by approximately 15% to 20% without changing pack dimensions, supporting immediate vehicle deliveries.
Saike Power is still constructing its 0.1 GWh sulfide pilot line in Yibin, with equipment calibration delayed until the final months of 2026. This highlights the varying speeds at which battery suppliers are moving to meet the new standard.
Automaker Deployment Schedules
Dongfeng Motor is advancing a 0.2 GWh manufacturing plant, aiming for vehicle integration in the second half of 2026. The company’s oxide-polymer hybrid cells have achieved an energy density of 350 Wh/kg and can enable driving ranges up to 1,000 km (~620 miles). These cells maintained structural integrity during high-temperature 170°C oven tests and retained 72% energy capacity during winter testing in Mohe.
Dongfeng plans to deploy 100 demonstration vehicles across Hubei province to gather operational data. Meanwhile, Changan and Geely are on track to complete full vehicle validation and pack layout integration by the third quarter of 2026.
Supply Chain Localization and Cost Adjustments
Gotion High-Tech has completed pilot verification using 100% locally manufactured machinery, including domestic slot-die coaters and high-pressure rollers. This move reduces reliance on international procurement and helps insulate manufacturers from overseas logistics challenges.
Upgrading existing production lines is expected to lower the previously anticipated sector equipment expenditure of $8.7B (~AUD 12.5B). Initial factory projections estimated outlays ranging from $58.9M (~AUD 84.8M) to $73.6M (~AUD 105.9M) per GWh.
Why this matters
The implementation of China’s solid-state battery law sets a clear technical standard for the industry, requiring manufacturers to demonstrate real-world factory readiness and product compliance. This regulatory clarity is prompting rapid investment in new facilities and technologies, with leading companies like Dongfeng and Doctex already making significant progress.
While some suppliers are still ramping up, the new framework is likely to accelerate the adoption of higher-density, longer-range batteries in upcoming electric vehicles.
What this means for buyers
Buyers can expect more transparent claims about battery technology in future EVs, as only certified solid-state batteries will be allowed under the new law. As automakers begin integrating these advanced cells, upcoming models may offer improved range and performance. However, widespread commercialisation may still take time as manufacturers work to scale up production and validate new technologies.
Key Specs
- Effective Date: July 1, 2026
- Solid-State Certification Requirement: Less than 5% liquid electrolyte mass after 120°C, 6-hour vacuum test
- Doctex Cell Energy Density: 350 Wh/kg
- Dongfeng Cell Energy Density: 350 Wh/kg
- Dongfeng Demonstration Range: Up to 1,000 km (~620 miles)
- Gotion High-Tech Equipment: 100% locally manufactured machinery
- Sector Equipment Expenditure (previous estimate): $8.7B (~AUD 12.5B)
- Factory Outlay per GWh: $58.9M (~AUD 84.8M) to $73.6M (~AUD 105.9M)
Source
Images sourced from: carnewschina.com, interestingengineering.com
