The GAC Group, a prominent Chinese automaker, has taken a significant step forward in solid-state battery technology. Chairman Feng Xingya announced at Auto Guangzhou that the company is now producing small batches of automotive-grade cells with capacities exceeding 60 Ah. This marks an important milestone as GAC prepares to validate their performance through real-world testing in vehicles.
GAC has been dedicated to researching solid-state battery technology since 2016, focusing initially on polymer-based systems before branching out into sulfide-based cell development. The company plans to ramp up production gradually over the next decade, aiming for mass manufacturing between 2027 and 2030.
With an eye on increasing energy density, GAC is employing advanced materials like ‘sponge silicon’ in their battery anodes, which are manufactured using a dry process. This innovative approach could potentially increase the range of electric vehicles up to 1,000 kilometers under Chinese test conditions, significantly enhancing vehicle performance.
As other major players like SAIC and Chery also push forward with solid-state batteries, GAC is positioning itself as a leader in this emerging technology. The company’s Hyper brand, introduced just two years ago, will be among the first to integrate these cutting-edge batteries into production vehicles starting from 2026.
While mass adoption of solid-state batteries remains several years away, early adopters like GAC are laying the groundwork for a future where these advanced cells become standard in electric vehicles. As we reported earlier this year, numerous automakers and battery manufacturers across China are working diligently to bring these technologies to market.Read more about their progress.
