FAW Takes the Lead: China's Oldest Automaker Tests Solid-State EV Batteries

TL;DR: Move over, youngsters! China's oldest carmaker, FAW Group, is flexin' its muscles in the battery game, announcing they've started testing solid-state EV batteries in their swanky Hongqi Tiangong 06 SUV. They're claimin' breakthroughs in electrolyte tech and super high energy density, pushin' us closer to that long-awaited solid-state future. Who says you can't teach an old dog new, electric tricks?

Meta: FAW Group, China's most veteran automaker, has begun testing solid-state EV batteries in its luxury Hongqi Tiangong 06 SUV, marking a significant milestone in the country's pursuit of advanced energy storage solutions.

Now, listen, in the fast-paced world of electric vehicles, it's easy to think the new kids on the block are the only ones makin' moves. But China's old-school heavyweights are here to remind us they still got game! FAW Group, the granddaddy of Chinese automakers, just dropped a bombshell: they've officially begun testing solid-state EV batteries in their luxury Hongqi Tiangong 06 SUV. That's right, the folks who've been around since 1953 are now pushin' the envelope on next-gen battery tech! It's like your grandpa suddenly showin' up to the party rockin' a pair of Yeezys.

The Solid-State Grind

FAW ain't just dabblin' in this; they've been on the solid-state grind since 2014. And after what they call 470 days of R&D, they're reportin' some real scientific breakthroughs. We're talkin' advances in sulfide electrolytes and impressive 10Ah and 60Ah cell performance. Their 66Ah cell even passed a scorching 200°C extreme-heat test, which is hotter than a summer barbecue in July! The real kicker? Their sulfide electrolyte achieved ionic conductivity above the 10 mS/cm threshold, which means it's conducting electricity better than traditional liquid electrolytes. That's like upgrading from a garden hose to a firehose for your battery!

What does all this tech talk translate to for us common folk? Well, their 66Ah cells are hitting an energy density of 380 Wh/kg. To put that in perspective, most current lithium-ion batteries are hangin' out in the 180 to 250 Wh/kg range. Higher energy density means lighter batteries, more range, and potentially faster charging. It's all about packing more power into a smaller, safer package.

The Race to Mass Production

FAW's not the only one in this high-stakes race. Just last week, Dongfeng Motors, another big Chinese player, also announced they were testing solid-state prototypes with claims of over 620 miles of range. The goal for FAW? Small-batch installations in high-end Hongqi models by late 2027, with mass production and a reported 50% cost reduction by 2030. If they pull this off, it's gonna be a game-changer for the entire EV industry, makin' electric rides more accessible and powerful.

What’s Next

FAW Group's successful in-vehicle testing of solid-state batteries is a strong indicator of China's leadership in this crucial technology. The upcoming deployment in Hongqi's luxury models will provide valuable real-world data and could accelerate the broader adoption of solid-state technology across the EV market. Expect a fierce competition among manufacturers to bring this next-generation battery to commercial scale.

So, don't sleep on the OGs, because when it comes to EV innovation, they might just surprise you. And that's a fact, Jack!