Forget what you think you know about EV range anxiety. Chery just dropped a bombshell: a solid-state battery promising over 1,500 kilometers on a single charge. That’s not a typo. This is part of their new Rhino Battery series, and they’re aiming to test it in the Exeed ES8 SUV next year. It’s a bold move, especially with rivals like BYD constantly pushing the envelope with their Blade Battery tech.
Chery held its ‘2026 Chery Battery Night’ to show off this tech, and frankly, it’s starting to feel like these battery unveilings are becoming industry-wide events. BYD just did their thing a couple of weeks ago, and now Chery is stepping into the spotlight. The company claims its pilot production line for these solid-state batteries is already churning out cells with different energy densities, and they’re deep in testing. Chery’s VP, Gu Chunshan, even said they’re putting no limit on future investments. That’s the kind of talk you hear when a company is betting big.
Chery’s Rhino Battery Tech Breakdown
So, what exactly are they packing? The Rhino Battery S-series boasts a 60 Ah, 400 Wh/kg solid-state unit. It uses a sulfide-based electrolyte and high-nickel ternary cathode materials. But the real showstopper is another variant: a 600 Wh/kg solid-state battery. This one opts for a polymer-based solid electrolyte and lithium-rich manganese cathode. Chery says this beast is good for over 1,500 kilometers, with vehicle testing slated for completion by 2027. For context, that’s more than double the range of many current premium EVs. They’re also prepping the Exeed ES sedan with their liquid Rhino E battery and the Exeed EX7 SUV with a semi-solid-state battery later this year. It seems like Chery is hedging its bets across different battery chemistries, which makes sense given the evolving landscape. You can learn more about the broader push into solid-state tech from companies like SAIC and the partnerships forming, like Gotion High-Tech and BASF.
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Target Solid-State Range | > 1,500 km | Using 600 Wh/kg battery |
| Target Vehicle Testing Completion | 2027 | For 1,500km+ solid-state battery |
| Rhino Liquid Battery Charging Speed | 500 km in 8 min | At 1,200 kW max charging power |
| Rhino Liquid Battery Cycle Life | 5,000 cycles | |
| Fast Charging Stations Planned (by 2029) | > 20,000 | Xunlong ultra-fast charging network |
| 2025 Net Profit | 19.02 billion yuan | Up 34.6% YoY |
| 2025 Global Deliveries | 2,631,381 vehicles | Up 8% YoY |
Charging Infrastructure: The Next Frontier?
Beyond the battery itself, Chery is also talking big about charging. They plan to build a network of ‘Xunlong’ ultra-fast charging stations, complete with V2G (vehicle-to-grid) capabilities. The initial rollout targets 100 stations across 10 cities, with a massive expansion plan to over 20,000 stations by 2029. These stations will use advanced silicon carbide components and boast over 96.5% system efficiency. This aggressive charging infrastructure push mirrors what we’re seeing from others, like BYD’s own ambitious plans for flash charging stations.
Chery’s Financial Muscle
This isn’t just about futuristic tech; Chery is backing it up with solid financials. Their 2025 earnings report showed a 34.6% year-on-year jump in net profit, hitting 19.02 billion yuan. That’s a healthy chunk of change, fueled by record deliveries of 2.63 million vehicles globally, up 8%. Total revenue climbed 11.3% to 300.29 billion yuan. This financial strength is crucial for funding the R&D and infrastructure needed for next-gen battery tech. It’s a stark contrast to some smaller players who are struggling to keep up. You can see how other manufacturers like Dongfeng are also navigating the timeline for solid-state battery production.
Should You Wait for Chery’s Solid-State Future?
Here’s the million-dollar question: should you hold off on your next EV purchase for Chery’s 1,500 km solid-state battery? It’s tempting, right? A range that blows everything else out of the water, coupled with potentially faster charging and improved safety that solid-state promises. However, we’re looking at vehicle testing completion in 2027. That’s still a few years away. While Chery’s liquid battery tech is impressive, offering 500 km range in just 8 minutes, that’s still reliant on their charging network. And let’s not forget the practicalities for buyers outside China: charging compatibility, service networks, and resale value are still major question marks for many Chinese brands. If you’re an early adopter who lives and breathes EV tech and can wait, this is definitely something to watch. For most people, however, the current generation of EVs, including excellent options from BYD and others, might still be the more sensible choice. But keep an eye on Chery’s progress; they might just change the game. The journey of solid-state batteries is ongoing, and Chery’s announcement is a significant milestone, even if mass adoption is still a ways off. You can read more about the general state of solid-state battery rollouts here.
