GWM chairman Wei Jiangnun (Jack Wei) shared that his company’s solid-state batteries (SSB) will take at least five years to be widely used in vehicles with commercial value. This technology is still under development and verification.
Wei Jianjun highlighted in his Weibo account that solid-state batteries face multiple challenges. They include cost efficiency, safety, and performance. GWM focuses on sulfide technologies, achieving kg-level sulfide solid electrolyte capabilities. At the same time, the company developed 20 Ah battery cell samples. The chairman underlined that the company will further invest in R&D to achieve technological progress.
GWM’s subsidiary Svolt developed the first 20 Ah SSB cell sulfur-based prototype in 2022. It offered an energy density of 350–400 Wh/kg and passed a nail-penetration and a 200°C high-temperature test. However, it seems that the company didn’t make sufficient progress in this field four years later. It will require at least five more years to achieve commercial value.
It is worth noting that a few GWM rivals have already released superior SSB tech. GAC Group became the first company to complete a large-capacity solid-state battery production line, producing 60 Ah cells on a small-batch test basis. The mass production is scheduled for 2027 – 2030. CALB battery maker also showcased the 60 Ah solid-state battery cells, claiming an energy density of 450 Wh/kg. Vacuum cleaner maker Dreame also announced its SSB tech with 60 Ah cells.
It is worth noting that Great Wall Motor is well known for its diverse approach in the automotive segment. Despite the industry switch towards new energy vehicles, GWM continues the development process of petrol- and diesel-powered internal combustion engines. This year, it will reportedly launch vehicles with a 3-liter diesel V6 and a 4-liter petrol-powered V8.
In January, Great Wall Motor revealed its liquid-solid battery at the CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Its latest tech is the medium-nickel pack designed for mid-to-high-end passenger cars with an energy density of 245 Wh/kg. Moreover, GWM shared that it will start high-volume installation of 100 kWh liquid-solid state batteries with an energy density of 188 Wh/kg and 6C charging capability in the third quarter this year.
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