“Wunder-Akku”-Dongfeng wants to deliver solid-state batteries in 2026

A revolution in battery technology is imminent – and it comes faster than expected. What is meant are so-called solid batteries or solid-state batteries (SSB). These are considered key technology in order to make electromobility for new areas such as long -distance trips and heavy commercial vehicles competitive.

Mercedes and BMW are already testing this battery type. Other manufacturers such as Toyota, Catl and Quantum Cape are also working intensively on the development of solid-state batteries. A few weeks ago, it became known that the Chinese auto -carer BYD tested vehicles with SSB. At BYD, the 2027 production is to start and mass production will begin in 2030. In early 2025, BYD announced that the new battery generation would not be more expensive than current electricity storage through optimized production processes and scale effects. This could succeed through integration into existing platforms such as the Blade Battery architecture. Now the car maker Dongfeng has also announced this technology. Dongfeng plans ambitious, as early as 2026 – next year and earlier than many competitors such as Toyota who strive for 2027 or 2028 – to deliver vehicles with these batteries.

Dongfeng announced that the own batteries will use a silicon-carbon-nickel combination and highly conductive solid electrolytes. According to the company, this structure is intended to improve the energy density and thermal stability and enable a range of over 1,000 km, as “Car News China” reports. In 2026, the first vehicles based on a next generation electroplay. A new charging system should enable a range of 450 kilometers to “refuel” in just five minutes. With solid body batteries, electric vehicles reach values that were previously only known from combustion vehicles in terms of speed and loading time.

The main advantage of the SSB is its high energy density. The batteries should be able to save around 400 watt hours per kilogram of weight-around double the current lithium-ion batteries. This property could generally revolutionize battery technology. Systems with high power consumption such as trains, heavy trucks or construction machines could be electrified and still achieve a solid range. Even in smaller batteries, such as in household appliances, tools or in micromobility (e-scooter, e-bikes, drones), SSBs will set new standards due to their compact size, lower weight and longer battery life.

The rapid sequence of announcements shows: The time of waiting for the “miracle battery” is over. This technology puts pressure on all car and battery manufacturers because it exceeds today’s memory in every respect. Models with lithium-ion or lithium iron phosphate batteries would no longer be competitive. Solid-state batteries use fixed electrolytes, such as ceramic or polymer, instead of liquid, which can become unstable when overheating. As a result, they offer higher energy density, faster loading times, lower fire risk and a significantly longer lifespan. In addition, SSBs could be easier recyclable due to its solid structure.

The reluctance of customers in electric cars is based primarily on two factors: the comparatively long loading times and the concern that the already limited range decreases over time or that the battery must be replaced at some point. With SSBs, batteries should last longer than the rest of the vehicle.

Chinese companies such as Dongfeng and BYD also offer very cheap vehicles for the mass market. Dongfeng plans to grow internationally and to bring over 30 models to the world market by 2027. The Dongfeng Nammi Box electric small car is offered in Europe. However, not at the China prices of around 10,000 euros-a price of just under 20,000 euros is expected in Germany. In order to minimize EU criminal offenses, Dongfeng plans to build a production facility in Europe-for example in Italy. This could reduce the price of the Nammi Box or other models. For established manufacturers, it would be a challenge if the new battery technology is faster on comparatively cheap models on the market than in the automotive upper class. That would turn the classic strategy of the car manufacturers upside down. So far, it was common to offer new technology with the high -priced model series before it was gradually rolled out.