Recently, Beijing Welion New Energy Technology Co. Ltd. revealed that all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) developed by the company are expected to be installed in vehicles by 2027. Prior to this, several other enterprises had disclosed their latest progress. Top Chinese electric vehicle (EV) and battery maker BYD plans to start piloting ASSBs in real application conditions around 2027, while CATL, China's leading battery powerhouse, indicated that it expects to achieve small-scale production of ASSBs by 2027. Evidently, 2027 is likely to be a milestone for ASSBs to enter the market.

While some countries are still debating whether to develop EVs, China has advanced EV power batteries from liquid-based lithium-ion batteries, to solid-state batteries. Compared with liquid-based batteries, ASSBs boast three major advantages.

First, they offer higher energy density, which means a substantial increase in driving range. Second is their enhanced safety. By replacing the liquid electrolyte in traditional liquid batteries with a solid electrolyte, ASSBs greatly reduce the probability of safety risks such as leakage, combustion and explosion. Third are their improved fast-charging capabilities. ASSBs support faster charging speeds and can replenish a large amount of electricity for EVs in a short period. Industry insiders generally believe that ASSBs will become one of the mainstream technological routes for next-generation batteries.

China is at the global forefront of standard development for ASSBs. On March 28, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released a mandatory national standard on EV battery safety, which will come into effect on July 1, 2026. The new standard tightens safety rules, covering heat control, crash protection and fast-charging performance—all demanding better designs and materials.

On May 22, the China Society of Automotive Engineers launched a group standard—a standard issued by a social organization—on ASSBs, which, for the first time, clearly defines ASSBs, resolving issues such as ambiguous industry definitions and the lack of testing methods, and laying the foundation for technological upgrading and industrial application. Currently, other countries and regions, including Japan, the United States and Europe, have not yet introduced similar standards. China's formulation and implementation of ASSB standards have accelerated their development process to meet the demand for high-safety and long-range power batteries in the automotive industry, robotics and other fields.

Over the past few years, ASSBs have triggered a new round of global competition in material research and development (R&D), and are considered a key technological high ground for reshaping the new-energy industry landscape. Japan's Toyota plans to conduct on-vehicle tests of ASSBs by 2027, and achieve large-scale mass production after 2030. The Republic of Korea's Samsung SDI Co. Ltd., a core subsidiary of Samsung Group that specializes in the R&D and production of advanced batteries, expects to start mass production in 2027. Several U.S. companies are accelerating the upgrading of their technological patent portfolios and mass production process validation. However, at present, large-scale mass production of ASSBs by these enterprises has been facing challenges in terms of technology, cost and industrial chain.

China's leading position in ASSB R&D is largely due to government support. The Chinese Government emphasizes low-carbon development. As a strategic emerging industry, ASSBs have received much attention from both the national and local governments. A series of policy measures, including subsidies, have been introduced to encourage enterprises to increase their R&D investment and accelerate the mass production process of ASSBs, thereby improving the industry's technological level and market competitiveness. Subsidies are policy instruments for developing members to achieve the World Trade Organization (WTO)'s objectives of fostering inclusive development and improving living standards. A joint report released by the WTO Secretariat and other international institutions in April 2022 showed subsidies are common in all sectors, used by countries at all stages of development.

ASSBs are set to transform the power battery industry into a strategic pillar industry in China. At the same time, ASSBs from China will play a positive role in meeting global market demand and promoting low-carbon development worldwide.

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon

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