China Establishes Clear Distinction Between All-Solid-State and Semi-Solid-State Batteries with New National Standard GB/T

August 2, 2026

Gasgoo China

Overview

China’s National Standard GB/T ‘Solid-State Batteries for Electric Vehicles Part 1: Terminology and Classification,’ effective July 1, 2026, formally defines and distinguishes between ‘all-solid-state’ and ‘semi-solid-state’ batteries. This standard clarifies that true all-solid-state batteries, completely free of liquid electrolytes, remain in research and pilot production stages. The move aims to prevent marketing confusion and foster transparent technological development, although current all-solid-state cells are significantly more expensive than mainstream lithium iron phosphate batteries.

In Depth

Key Findings

On July 1, 2026, China officially implemented the national standard GB/T ‘Solid-State Batteries for Electric Vehicles Part 1: Terminology and Classification,’ which establishes a clear distinction between ‘all-solid-state’ and ‘semi-solid-state’ batteries. This new standard is designed to prevent market confusion and provide precise benchmarks for technological development. Its enactment is a significant step towards accurately assessing the maturity of solid-state battery technology and influencing future development and deployment strategies.

Technical / Clinical Details

The new standard defines ‘all-solid-state batteries’ as those entirely devoid of liquid electrolytes, while ‘semi-solid-state batteries’ are categorized as those containing a minimal amount of liquid or gel electrolyte. This clarification provides a more precise direction for R&D efforts aimed at achieving fully solid-state electrolyte systems. Currently, genuine all-solid-state batteries are still largely confined to laboratories and pilot lines, without large-scale commercial production. This is primarily due to challenges such as high interfacial resistance of solid electrolytes, dendrite formation issues, and elevated manufacturing costs. Notably, the cost of current all-solid-state battery cells is substantially higher than that of mainstream lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, posing a significant barrier to widespread adoption.

Background & Context

All-solid-state batteries have garnered immense public enthusiasm as a technology promising to resolve critical electric vehicle (EV) concerns, including ‘fire anxiety,’ ‘range limitations,’ and ‘slow charging.’ However, a gap exists between these high expectations and the current technological readiness, exacerbated by the broad and sometimes imprecise use of the term ‘all-solid-state’ in marketing. The new Chinese national standard aims to establish stricter technical definitions, enabling researchers, engineers, and investors to more accurately understand the market landscape and foster healthy technological competition.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

The introduction of this new standard will require Chinese battery manufacturers to adhere to more rigorous product development and disclosure practices. This is expected to stimulate advancements in semi-solid-state battery technologies while accelerating R&D investments towards the ultimate commercialization of true all-solid-state batteries. Globally, similar standardization efforts could enhance transparency and trustworthiness in solid-state battery advancements. Cost reduction and performance improvement will remain key focal points, and the commercialization of full all-solid-state batteries is still anticipated to be several years away.

Source: https://autonews.gasgoo.com/articles/ev/all-solid-state-batteries-time-for-a-reality-check-2083020862696427521

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