Chery Commits $1.5 Billion Investment in Solid-State Battery Development, Targeting Vehicle Real-World Tests by 2027

September 6, 2026

Car News China China

Overview

Chinese automaker Chery announced a 10 billion yuan (approximately $1.5 billion USD) investment in solid-state battery development, with plans to commence real-world vehicle testing by 2027. The company is developing cells ranging from 400 Wh/kg to 600 Wh/kg under its ‘Rhino S’ solid-state battery line, aiming for an impressive driving range of up to 1,500 km on a single charge. This initiative highlights the aggressive stance of China’s automotive industry toward early commercialization of solid-state battery technology.

In Depth

Key Findings

Chery Automobile, a leading Chinese automaker, has announced a substantial investment in the development of next-generation solid-state battery technology. The company plans to allocate a total of 10 billion yuan, equivalent to approximately $1.5 billion USD (around 210 billion Japanese Yen), to this critical sector. As part of this ambitious investment strategy, Chery aims to commence real-world vehicle testing of its solid-state batteries by 2027, signaling a clear commitment to the early commercialization of this advanced battery technology.

Technical and Manufacturing Details

Chery’s development efforts are focused on a solid-state battery line designated ‘Rhino S’. The primary objective for this line is to achieve high-energy-density battery cells with gravimetric energy densities ranging from 400 Wh/kg to an ambitious 600 Wh/kg. The target of 600 Wh/kg is particularly significant, representing approximately double the energy density of current mass-produced lithium-ion batteries. If achieved, this could dramatically extend the driving range of electric vehicles (EVs). Chery aims to enable an astonishing driving range of up to 1,500 km on a single charge with these high-energy-density solid-state batteries, potentially redefining the concept of EV range.

Background and Industry Context

Solid-state batteries are widely expected to surpass conventional batteries in terms of safety (reduced risk of thermal runaway), energy density, and longevity, due to their elimination of liquid electrolytes. Consequently, automotive manufacturers and battery developers worldwide are engaged in fierce competition to develop this technology. China, a global leader in the EV market and battery supply chain, is strongly supporting domestic development and commercialization of solid-state batteries. Chery’s announcement contrasts with the more cautious view expressed by the CATL chairman, who stated that mass production of solid-state batteries would not materialize before 2030, highlighting the diverse approaches and rapid pace of solid-state battery technology development within China.

Future Outlook

Chery’s $1.5 billion investment and the target of commencing vehicle real-world testing by 2027 suggest the company’s confidence in solving the technical challenges associated with solid-state battery mass production. The success of these tests is crucial for verifying the technology’s reliability and practicality, and favorable outcomes could significantly enhance the company’s competitiveness in the EV market. However, numerous challenges remain, including achieving high-energy-density targets, optimizing mass production costs, and ensuring long-term durability. Chery’s developments will serve as a key indicator for the future evolution of the solid-state battery market in China and globally.

Source: https://carnewschina.com/2026/09/03/chery-to-start-solid-state-battery-real-world-tests-in-2027-chairman-says/

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