China's Oldest Carmaker Tests Game-Changing EV Battery

China's oldest car manufacturer just achieved a breakthrough that could transform electric vehicles from coast to coast.

FAW Group, founded in 1953, unveiled its first prototype vehicle equipped with solid-state batteries this week. The Hongqi Tiangong 06 luxury SUV rolled off the pilot production line after researchers spent over a year solving some of the biggest challenges in battery technology.

The new batteries pack 380 watt-hours of energy per kilogram. That's roughly 50% more than the lithium-ion batteries currently powering most electric cars on the road today, meaning drivers could travel significantly farther on a single charge.

Even more impressive, the batteries survived testing at temperatures reaching 392 degrees Fahrenheit. Traditional batteries struggle in extreme conditions, but FAW's sulfide electrolyte technology actually conducts electricity better than conventional liquid electrolytes.

FAW has been working on this technology since 2014, long before most automakers took solid-state batteries seriously. The company introduced the first standardized solid-state battery module back in 2019, quietly building expertise while others focused on incremental improvements to existing technology.

The company joins fellow Chinese automaker Dongfeng Motors in testing solid-state batteries in real vehicles. Dongfeng announced last week that its prototype achieved over 620 miles of range in extreme cold weather conditions, proving the technology works in harsh environments.

The Ripple Effect

This isn't just about one company or one country getting ahead in the EV race. Solid-state batteries address the biggest complaints drivers have about electric vehicles: limited range, slow charging, and performance anxiety in extreme weather.

FAW plans to install these batteries in small batches of luxury models by late 2027. By 2030, the technology should reach mass production in mid-range and high-end vehicles at costs reduced by more than 50%.

Lower costs mean electric vehicles become accessible to millions more families. Better range means fewer stops and less charging anxiety. Improved safety from batteries that handle extreme heat means fewer recalls and more confidence.

Competition between Chinese automakers is accelerating innovation faster than anyone predicted just five years ago. When established companies like FAW invest billions in new technology, they're betting their 70-year legacy on a cleaner transportation future.

As these batteries move from prototypes to production lines, the benefits will extend far beyond China's borders, making reliable electric transportation a reality for communities worldwide.