Geely Unveils Major Solid-State Battery Breakthrough

Production-Ready Pack with 400 Wh/kg Density Targets Vehicle Testing in 2026 – Potential for 650+ Mile Ranges

Geely Holding Group, the parent company behind powerhouse brands including Volvo, Lynk & Co, Lotus, Zeekr, and Polestar, has announced a significant milestone in next-generation battery technology. In late January 2026, during its five-year strategic communication event, Geely confirmed it will complete production of its first in-house developed all-solid-state battery (SSB) pack this year, with vehicle installation and real-world validation testing commencing in 2026.

This development positions Geely as one of the frontrunners among global automakers racing to commercialize solid-state batteries—the long-awaited “holy grail” of EV energy storage. These batteries replace traditional liquid electrolytes with solid materials, promising dramatically higher energy density, faster charging, enhanced safety, and longer lifespans compared to conventional lithium-ion packs.

While headlines have hyped potentials of 650+ miles (approximately 1,000+ km) of range on a single charge, the announcement focuses on a realistic yet impressive 400 Wh/kg pack-level energy density—a substantial improvement over current high-end lithium-ion systems (typically 250–300 Wh/kg at pack level). This breakthrough could translate to significantly extended ranges in future production vehicles across Geely’s portfolio.

In this detailed overview, we break down the announcement, technical specs, benefits, timeline, competitive context, and what it means for the future of electric mobility.

The Announcement: From Lab to Road in Record Time

Geely Auto revealed the progress at the Geely Holding Group’s strategy briefing on January 22–23, 2026. Key highlights include:

• Completion of the first all-solid-state battery pack in 2026.
• Immediate transition to vehicle installation verification—installing the pack into an existing EV platform for comprehensive real-world testing.
• The battery uses a lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) chemistry with solid electrolyte, achieving 15% higher energy density than current conventional lithium-ion batteries (with reports specifying 400 Wh/kg at the pack level).
• This is an in-house development, building on Geely’s long-term investments in battery tech since the 2010s, including its “Shendun Golden Battery” safety platform.

Unlike many lab prototypes, Geely’s milestone emphasizes engineering readiness: moving beyond cell-level demos to fully integrated battery pack assembly suitable for vehicle integration. This step is critical for addressing manufacturing challenges like scalability, cost, and durability under real driving conditions.

Technical Advantages of Geely’s Solid-State Battery

Solid-state batteries address key limitations of today’s lithium-ion tech:

• Energy Density: 400 Wh/kg at pack level represents a ~30–60% improvement over typical EV packs today. This means more energy stored in the same space/weight—or the same range with smaller, lighter batteries. Potential real-world range could exceed 600–650 miles (1,000+ km) in efficient models with large packs, though this depends on vehicle aerodynamics, weight, and efficiency.
• Faster Charging: Solid electrolytes enable higher charge rates with less heat buildup. While exact figures weren’t disclosed, industry parallels suggest 10–15 minute full charges could become feasible.
• Improved Safety: No flammable liquid electrolyte reduces risks of thermal runaway, fire, or explosion—even in crashes or extreme conditions.
• Longer Lifespan: Better cycle life and calendar aging, potentially 20+ years of useful service.
• Broader Temperature Performance: Solid materials maintain efficiency in cold weather, a common pain point for current EVs.

Geely’s use of LMFP chemistry balances high density with cost-effectiveness and stability, avoiding reliance on scarce cobalt or nickel-heavy cathodes in some designs.

Timeline and Next Steps

• 2026: Pack production completion + vehicle integration testing (likely on a Geely/Zeekr platform first, given their focus on advanced EVs).
• No firm mass-production date announced yet—2026 focuses on validation. Industry experts expect scaling toward limited production in 2027–2028, with broader rollout in premium models from Zeekr, Volvo, or Lotus.
• This aligns with Geely’s broader 2030 goals: 75% NEV penetration, global sales >6.5 million units, and leadership in electrification tech.

Geely joins other Chinese players like Dongfeng (testing 350 Wh/kg packs with 620-mile claims), FAW, Chery, and SAIC (MG’s semi-solid-state EVs already in market) in pushing SSB progress. Globally, Toyota, QuantumScape (with VW), Samsung SDI, and others target similar timelines.

What This Means for Geely’s Brands and EV Buyers

• Zeekr and Lynk & Co: Likely first adopters for high-performance, long-range models—potentially 900V+ architectures with ultra-fast charging.
• Volvo and Polestar: Could bring safer, longer-range luxury EVs, enhancing appeal in Europe and North America.
• Lotus: Benefits for lightweight, high-performance sports EVs with reduced weight from denser batteries.

For consumers, this accelerates the end of “range anxiety,” makes EVs more practical for long-distance travel, lowers operating costs through efficiency, and improves resale value via durable batteries.

Challenges remain: Scaling solid-state production is notoriously difficult (dendrite formation, interface stability, cost). Geely’s in-house approach and vertical integration give it an edge, but real-world durability in diverse climates and road conditions will be proven through 2026 testing.

Broader Industry Impact

Geely’s announcement underscores China’s dominance in battery innovation, pressuring global rivals to accelerate SSB efforts. If successful, it could democratize ultra-long-range EVs, boost adoption rates, and contribute to faster decarbonization of transport.

As one of the most vertically integrated auto groups, Geely’s progress signals solid-state tech moving from hype to reality sooner than many expected.

Stay tuned to VFuturMedia.com for updates on Geely’s SSB testing results, first vehicle integrations, and comparisons with rivals like Toyota or QuantumScape. Could 2026 mark the year solid-state batteries finally hit the road in production cars? Share your predictions in the comments!