Hongqi Matangkan Pengembangan Baterai Solid State, Siap Produksi 2027

JAKARTA - China's FAW Group is increasingly aggressive in accelerating the development of solid state batteries for its Hongqi premium brand. This move marks a major move from traditional car manufacturers towards the next generation of energy storage technology in the electric vehicle (EV) industry.

According to local media reports, FAW is targeting a transition from prototype production to small batch production for Hongqi sedans and SUVs by the end of 2027. The company has reportedly completed trials of production of 66 Ah solid state cells, as well as collaborating with 27 industrial partners in research, development, and testing of the technology.

This collaboration focuses on overcoming technical challenges, including energy density, cycle endurance, temperature management, and mass production capabilities. The prototype cells are also being validated for remote operation in high-end Hongqi models.

The industry estimates that solid-state batteries will begin to be used in vehicles in China in 2026-2027, in line with FAW's target. In the early stages, this technology is expected to have an energy density of around 350-400 Wh/kg.

This figure has the potential to increase to 400-500 Wh/kg by 2030 and break through 500 Wh/kg by 2035. If achieved, this increase is believed to be able to increase vehicle range further and better safety than conventional lithium-ion batteries.

FAW will start applying this technology to its premium Hongqi models, before expanding to other product lines as efficiency and energy capacity increase. The solid state battery sector in China is also growing rapidly.

Shares of solid-state concept companies have averaged more than 60 percent this year, with nine companies recording gains of more than 100 percent. Meanwhile, other major manufacturers such as GAC Group have built high-capacity pilot production lines, indicating a collective industry push to accelerate the new generation of batteries.

The initiative also received national policy support, in line with China's long-term plan for the development of advanced energy storage in electric vehicles. Although mass production has not yet begun, FAW's direction and schedule indicate a clear path to consumer-based solid state commercialization by 2027.

The continuous validation of the 66 Ah cell will be the foundation for improving energy capacity and reliability before entering full production phase. With a measured strategy and a wide network of partners, FAW aims to make Hongqi one of the first premium EV brands in China to adopt solid state batteries, while influencing industry standards and consumer expectations in the future.