China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has outlined plans to accelerate breakthroughs in all‑solid‑state batteries and high‑level autonomous driving technologies while further expanding automotive consumption this year, according to a Sina report. The announcement followed a January 13 inter‑ministerial work meeting in Beijing focused on energy conservation and the development of the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry, with MIIT Party Secretary and Minister Li Lecheng presiding.
The meeting framed 2026 as the opening year of the country’s “15th Five‑Year Plan” and said China’s intelligent and connected NEV sector is entering a significant opportunity period. Officials emphasized the need for problem‑orientation, system thinking, and bottom‑line awareness while intensifying inter‑agency coordination to improve work measures and support high‑quality industry development.
A major priority is coordinating industrial planning with related sectors such as energy and infrastructure, and setting clearer development goals and task assignments to guide innovation. To strengthen domestic supply chains and autonomy, MIIT outlined a new round of high‑quality industry-chain development actions, prioritizing breakthroughs in strategic products, foundational materials, and key software and tools, explicitly naming all‑solid‑state batteries and high‑level autonomous-driving technologies.
Solid‑State Batteries
China’s domestic automakers and suppliers are actively developing all‑solid‑state battery technology to meet the MIIT’s 2026 priorities. Companies such as Dongfeng, Chery, Sunwoda, and SAIC are moving from laboratory research to prototype deployment and scaled production, with energy densities ranging from 350 - 600 Wh/kg and projected ranges of 1,000–1,300 km. Pilot production lines, strategic partnerships for cathode and electrolyte materials, and GWh‑scale manufacturing plans demonstrate the industry’s push to commercialize next‑generation batteries that deliver higher energy density, longer lifespan, and alignment with national supply chain self‑reliance goals.
L3 Autonomous Driving
Chinese automakers are also advancing high‑level autonomous driving in line with government policy. BYD, Xpeng, Li Auto, Changan Deepal, and Arcfox have obtained L3 test permits and are conducting pilot operations on designated roads, gathering real‑world data to refine vehicle AI, sensor integration, and cloud connectivity. MIIT has granted market access for the first batch of L3 vehicles, enabling controlled deployment of conditionally autonomous passenger cars. These developments position 2026 as a key year for L3 commercialisation in China, illustrating significant progress toward the government’s smart mobility and intelligent vehicle objectives.
On the demand side, the Ministry reiterated plans to further expand vehicle consumption. Measures include promoting vehicle trade‑in programs, scaling up the adoption of new-energy heavy trucks, deepening reforms in NEV insurance, and unlocking diversified consumer demand. These policies are designed to streamline replacement cycles and encourage broader adoption of electrified and smart vehicles.
Officials also underscored the need to maintain a fair, competitive environment, strengthen cost investigations and price monitoring, and enhance product conformity and quality inspections. The role of standards in driving industry upgrades and guiding corporate self‑discipline was emphasized.
International engagement was another pillar of the government’s strategy. The Ministry said it will support trade, investment, and technology cooperation while advancing integration of domestic and foreign trade and investment. It noted enhanced focus on managing technology and investment risks and guiding enterprises toward reasonable, orderly, and secure global expansion to foster new patterns of international industrial cooperation.
Follow us for ev updates