Electric vehicle enthusiasts, get ready for a slight curveball from Dongfeng. The Chinese state-owned automaker has officially delayed the mass production of its highly anticipated solid-state batteries (SSBs) to 2027. This news, initially uncovered from the company’s latest announcements, indicates a shift from their previously stated goal of September 2026.
Dongfeng has been a significant player in the evolving EV landscape, continually exploring cutting-edge battery technology. While their current focus includes deploying SSBs into test cars, the revised timeline means we will have to wait a little longer to see this technology widely adopted.
The Initial Roadmap and the Shift
Back in November 2025, Dongfeng Automobile had boldly declared its intention to begin mass-producing solid-state batteries with an impressive energy density of 350 Wh/kg by September 2026. They had even gone as far as establishing a 0.2 GWh pilot production line, showcasing their commitment. However, a recent visit from the Dongfeng Motor Corporation delegation of external directors to the SSB plant led to an adjustment of this ambitious roadmap.
During their on-site inspections of the solid-state battery cell and module production lines, new insights emerged. The company revealed it had successfully developed liquid-solid-state batteries, incorporating novel electrolyte membrane composite technology and electrode solidification. This innovation promises to boost the electric range of new energy vehicles, which is always a welcome development for consumers. The R&D team now aims for an all-solid-state battery deployment in 2027.
Why the Delay?
Dongfeng has hinted at the complexities driving this postponement. The R&D team is currently deep in discussions, grappling with critical aspects like technical routes, cost control, and the overall pace of industrialization. These are not trivial matters, especially when dealing with a burgeoning technology like solid-state batteries, which many consider the holy grail of EV power sources. Despite the delay, Dongfeng did share an intriguing photo of a Dongfeng eπ 007 sedan, proudly featuring a solid-state battery. Members of the external directors’ delegation even had the chance to drive this vehicle, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future.
Diving Deeper into Dongfeng’s Solid-State Battery
Let’s talk tech. Dongfeng’s solid-state battery boasts an energy density of 350 Wh/kg. For those unfamiliar, that’s a significant figure, hinting at longer ranges and potentially lighter battery packs. It utilizes a multi-component system, featuring a ternary cathode, a silicon-carbon anode, and an oxide polymer composite solid electrolyte. This sophisticated chemistry is designed not just for performance but also for resilience. The battery retains 72% of its energy even at a chilling -30°C and impressively passed thermal-chamber safety tests at a scorching 170°C. Talk about built tough!
The Mach Super-kV Pure-Electric Platform
This cutting-edge solid-state battery is destined to be a cornerstone of Dongfeng’s Mach Super-kV Pure-Electric Platform. This platform is no slouch, adopting a 1,200 V high-voltage architecture paired with a 1,700 V SiC power module. What does this mean for you, the driver? It means blisteringly fast charging. With a 2 MW single-connector charging capability, an EV built on this platform can juice up an astonishing 2.5 km of range in just one second. To put that in perspective, that’s about a minute and a half for a full charge adding up to a peak range of over 1,000 km. The platform also houses an e-motor spinning at an incredible 30,000 rpm, promising exhilarating performance. This platform, with its focus on rapid charging and long range, is a testament to the advancements happening in the solid-state battery space.
While the wait for mass-produced Dongfeng solid-state batteries has been extended, the underlying technology and the Mach Super-kV platform show immense promise. The ongoing discussions about technical routes and cost control are crucial steps to ensure that when these batteries do arrive, they are not only high-performing but also viable for the broader market. It looks like 2027 will be an exciting year for Dongfeng and the EV world at large.
