Dongfeng Motor has announced a major push into solid-state battery technology, aiming to deliver 50,000 vehicles equipped with its in-house developed solid-state batteries by 2027. The company revealed its timeline and technical milestones at the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Manufacturing Technology & Equipment and Material Exhibition. This move positions Dongfeng among the leading Chinese automakers racing to commercialize next-generation battery systems.
Dongfeng’s Solid-State Battery Roadmap
Zhang Wei, new battery operations manager at the Advanced Technology Research Institute under Dongfeng Group’s R&D Academy, outlined the company’s solid-state battery strategy during the Shanghai exhibition. Dongfeng plans to roll out 100 demonstration vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries by the end of this year, with in-vehicle application of its 350 Wh/kg battery expected in the fourth quarter.
Looking ahead, Dongfeng aims for small-scale mass production of solid-state battery vehicles around 2030, and large-scale mass production and widespread adoption by 2035. The company has already achieved stable batch production of its 350 Wh/kg solid-state battery, which completed winter vehicle testing in January 2026.
Technical Milestones and In-House Development
All key technologies for Dongfeng’s solid-state batteries, from electrodes and solid-state electrolyte to full battery pack integration, have been developed internally. The 350 Wh/kg solid-state battery boasts an energy density about twice that of mainstream lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, which typically range from 140 to 210 Wh/kg.
Dongfeng also plans to advance the deployment of vehicles equipped with fast-charging solid-state batteries in 2027, with pilot production of its 350 Wh/kg fast-charging variant scheduled for that year. The company completed its solid-state battery laboratory and a 0.2 GWh pilot production line in June 2025.
Competitor Comparison
Dongfeng is not alone in the race to commercialize solid-state batteries. The Hongqi brand, owned by China FAW Group, introduced its first prototype vehicle with a solid-state battery earlier this year. Major battery manufacturers CATL (HKEX: 3750) and BYD (HKEX: 1211) are also targeting small-batch vehicle installations of solid-state batteries in 2027.
This competitive landscape highlights the broader industry push to bring solid-state battery technology to market, with several leading Chinese automakers and suppliers pursuing similar timelines.
Historical Context
Dongfeng remains a major player in the Chinese automotive market, selling over 3 million vehicles per year. In 2023, the company delivered 2.48 million vehicles, representing a 10% year-over-year decline. Dongfeng has set a target of 3.2 million vehicles for 2024, including 1 million new energy vehicles (NEVs).
The company’s investment in solid-state battery technology is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving NEV segment.
Why this matters
Solid-state batteries are widely seen as the next major leap in EV technology, promising higher energy density and improved safety compared to current liquid lithium batteries. Dongfeng’s commitment to in-house development and its clear production roadmap signal a significant step forward for the company and the broader Chinese EV industry.
With multiple automakers and battery suppliers targeting similar timelines, the next few years will be critical in determining which companies can successfully scale up solid-state battery production and deliver tangible benefits to consumers.
What this means for buyers
For consumers, Dongfeng’s progress means that vehicles with advanced solid-state batteries could become available as early as 2027, offering the potential for longer range and improved safety. However, widespread adoption is still several years away, with large-scale mass production not expected until 2035.
Buyers interested in the latest battery technology should monitor developments from Dongfeng, Hongqi, CATL, and BYD, as the competitive landscape may influence pricing, availability, and performance in the coming years.
Related coverage from The Electric Viking
For more on solid-state battery developments in China, see recent coverage from The Electric Viking:
CATL Solid-State Battery Progress Slows, Commercial Launch Delayed by Technical Hurdles
China’s New Solid-State Battery Standard Reshapes Equipment Market for CATL and BYD
Chinese Academy of Sciences Unveils Solid-State Battery Electrolyte With Extended Lifecycle
Key Specs
- Solid-State Battery Energy Density: 350 Wh/kg
- Mainstream LFP Cell Energy Density: 140–210 Wh/kg
- Demonstration Vehicles (2026): 100 units
- Target Vehicles with Solid-State Batteries (2027): 50,000 units
- Pilot Production Line Capacity: 0.2 GWh
- Winter Testing Completed: January 2026
- Fast-Charging Solid-State Battery Pilot Production: 2027
