GWM Doubles Down on Solid-State Battery Ambitions to Rival BYD and Chery
Great Wall Motor (GWM), a major Chinese automotive manufacturer, is significantly increasing its investment in solid-state battery technology. This strategic move aims to position GWM as a serious contender against rivals like BYD and Chery, who are also making substantial progress in this cutting-edge field. The pursuit of solid-state batteries is driven by their immense potential to revolutionise the electric vehicle (EV) landscape, primarily by addressing the persistent issue of “range anxiety” that has long hampered EV adoption.
Solid-state batteries promise a leap forward in energy density compared to the liquid electrolytes found in conventional lithium-ion batteries. This inherent advantage could pave the way for electric cars boasting driving ranges exceeding 1000 kilometres, a benchmark that could soon become the standard for many EV models. Beyond extended range, these advanced batteries also offer potential improvements in safety and overall efficiency, making them an exceptionally attractive proposition for automotive manufacturers worldwide.
Despite the promising outlook, the path to commercialising solid-state batteries is fraught with challenges. GWM’s outspoken Chairman, Jack Wei, has openly acknowledged these hurdles on Chinese social media. He pointed to significant obstacles in cost-efficiency, safety, and performance that need to be overcome. Wei tempered expectations regarding the immediate availability of these batteries, suggesting that widespread adoption is more likely in the next decade rather than within the next couple of years. This cautious stance comes despite an announcement at the brand’s 2024 annual general meeting, which indicated the company’s capability to produce small-capacity solid-state batteries.
Nevertheless, GWM remains committed to the long-term viability of solid-state batteries for mass production. The company is channeling substantial financial resources into its research and development programs to accelerate progress. Chairman Wei estimates that GWM’s solid-state battery developments will require at least another five years before they are ready for commercial deployment. This timeline suggests that production-ready solid-state battery units from GWM are unlikely to appear before 2030.
GWM’s Battery Subsidiary and Its Progress
GWM’s battery technology arm, Svolt, unveiled a solid-state prototype back in 2022. This prototype demonstrated an energy density ranging between 350-400 Wh/kg. While this figure is impressive, it falls short of the 600 Wh/kg energy density claimed for Chery’s upcoming units. Both GWM’s and Chery’s batteries reportedly utilise a sulfide-based composition.
The GWM prototype underwent rigorous testing, including comprehensive thermal efficiency trials. According to reports from CarNews China, the battery demonstrated remarkable stability, maintaining its integrity even at temperatures reaching 200 degrees Celsius. Currently, GWM offers only one electric vehicle in Australia, the budget-friendly Ora hatch. The company is expected to expand its EV lineup this year with the introduction of the Ora 5 crossover.
Chery’s Ambitious Solid-State Battery Roadmap
Chery is also aggressively pursuing its solid-state battery development goals. The Chinese automaker plans to launch two new models incorporating this advanced technology within the next few years. The Australian branch of Chery has expressed keen interest in bringing these innovative vehicles to the local market.
Chery’s recently announced 600 Wh/kg battery unit is touted to deliver an extraordinary driving range of 1500 kilometres, a figure that significantly surpasses the range of any other fully electric car currently available on the market. This breakthrough could redefine consumer expectations for EV practicality.
Industry-Wide Race and Cautious Optimism
The race for solid-state battery dominance is not exclusive to GWM and Chery. BYD, another major player, is also gearing up its efforts, with plans for small-batch production scheduled to commence in 2027.
The sentiments expressed by GWM Chairman Jack Wei regarding the timeline for solid-state battery commercialisation align with similar remarks from other global automotive giants. In October 2025, Kurt Kelty, Vice President of Battery, Propulsion, and Sustainability at General Motors (GM), stated that solid-state technology is “still years away.” Despite this cautious outlook, GM remains closely monitoring developments in the field.
These observations echo sentiments previously voiced by executives at Toyota. Despite significant investments in solid-state battery research, Toyota representatives have gone as far as to suggest that there is “no telling if it will work or not,” highlighting the inherent uncertainties and complexities involved in developing this revolutionary technology. The collective progress and cautious optimism from various manufacturers underscore the transformative potential of solid-state batteries for the future of electric mobility.
