China's Dongfeng Unveils Solid-State Battery Breakthrough: 620+ Mile Range, Ready for Mass Production!

TL;DR: Another Chinese EV giant, Dongfeng Motor, has announced it's testing a solid-state battery prototype, promising over 620 miles (1,000 km) of range and exceptional cold-weather performance. With a pilot production line already running, these "holy grail" batteries are slated for vehicle use and mass production by late 2026, intensifying the global battery race.

Meta: Dongfeng Motor is testing solid-state batteries with 620+ mile range, aiming for mass production by late 2026, intensifying the global battery race.

Alright, alright, settle down folks, because China ain't playing around in the battery game! While everyone’s been talking about "the holy grail of EV batteries," Dongfeng Motor, one of China’s "Big Four" automakers, just dropped a bombshell. Their sub-brand, Yipai Technology, announced they’re testing a solid-state battery prototype that promises over 620 miles (1,000 km) of CLTC driving range. And get this: they’re doing it in extreme cold-weather conditions, like -30°C to -40°C. That’s colder than a polar bear’s toenails, and these batteries are still holding up! Talk about chilling out the competition!

The New Battery King?

This Dongfeng solid-state battery boasts 350 Wh/kg, which is impressive. But wait, there’s more! They’ve put this battery through a 170°C (338°F) hot box test without so much as a sizzle or a pop, way beyond China’s national standard. And in that freezing cold, it still held 72% of its energy. That’s like me still having jokes after a New Year's Eve party! Dongfeng says these new solid-state EV batteries are safer, more energy-dense, and deliver longer ranges. Sounds like a winning ticket to me.

They’ve even completed a 0.2 GWh solid-state battery pilot production line, with the first units already rolling off the line. Dongfeng is planning to have these next-gen batteries ready for vehicles in 2026, with mass production kicking off by September. That’s a fast track to the future, baby! But Dongfeng isn't alone in this race. SAIC Motor, GAC Group, Changan Auto, CATL, and BYD are all developing solid-state EV batteries, aiming for mass production between 2027 and 2030. It's a crowded race, like a comedy club on amateur night.

Global Battery Battle Royale

And it ain't just the Chinese players, either. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen are all in the game, planning to introduce solid-state batteries. Mercedes even drove a modified EQS over 745 miles (1,200 km) on a single charge with US-based Factorial Energy's solid-state cells. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Stellantis, and Hyundai are also hot on the trail. The first solid-state batteries are expected to hit higher-end models around 2027 or 2028, eventually making their way to the mass market by the end of the decade. The question isn't if solid-state batteries are coming; it's who's gonna get there first and who's gonna bring the funniest jokes?

What’s Next

Dongfeng's ambitious timeline for mass production by late 2026 will be closely watched. If they can deliver on their range and durability claims, it could significantly accelerate the transition to solid-state batteries globally, putting immense pressure on other automakers and battery developers to keep pace. The coming years will be a crucial period for verifying real-world performance and refining manufacturing processes.

Solid-state batteries, 620 miles of range, and ready for prime time? China ain't playing, folks. They're coming for that battery crown, and they're bringing serious mileage with 'em. Pow!