Hongqi unveils first prototype with solid-state battery

Chinese automaker FAW has unveiled the first prototype of its luxury brand Hongqi equipped with a built-in solid-state battery. According to Hongqi, the innovative battery was developed in-house and is the first fully solid-state technology system installed in a production vehicle by the brand.

Hongqi tiangong prototyp mit festkoerperbatterie — Image: Hongqi

Just last month, it was announced that the brand, known for its state limousines, plans to introduce solid-state batteries into its production vehicles by the end of 2027, initially in a small series. In its research on solid-state batteries, Hongqi benefits, among other things, from the membership of its parent company FAW in a Chinese industrial consortium that aims to advance the development of solid-state batteries with state support and a budget of six billion yuan (approximately 730 million euros).

Hongqi has now installed a solid-state battery in a standard Tiangong 06 for the first time—a battery-electric SUV for the Chinese market that the brand has repeatedly used as a platform for testing advanced powertrains and battery technologies.

Solid-state batteries are considered the next-generation technology for electric vehicles, offering higher energy density, faster charging, greater ranges, and improved safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. These benefits are achieved by replacing the liquid, often flammable electrolyte in traditional batteries with a solid, ion-conducting material.

Hongqi announced that its research team achieved a series of breakthroughs in critical areas after 470 days of intensive research. These included advancements in sulphide electrolytes, validation of 10-Ah cell performance, and the production of 60-Ah cells. However, the brand did not disclose which specific solid-state batteries were installed in the prototype.

Hongqi explained that its team conducted hundreds of tests to optimise design solutions and production processes, overcoming technical challenges such as high-pressure integration.

German manufacturers are also optimistic about the potential of solid-state batteries. Volkswagen has been collaborating with the US specialist QuantumScape since 2012 and plans to license its technology to produce solid-state cells through its battery subsidiary PowerCo. Meanwhile, the US battery developer Factorial has secured Mercedes-Benz, as well as Stellantis and Hyundai, as partners.

carnewschina.com, cnevpost.com