Geely Begins Road Testing Solid-State Batteries with 650-Mile Range Potential
Hangzhou, Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
Geely advances next-generation solid-state battery technology to road testing this year, promising a breakthrough 650-mile range that significantly outperforms current lithium-ion standards and addresses range anxiety.
From Laboratory to Tarmac
Geely Automobile Holdings (HKG: 0175) has officially transitioned its solid-state battery (SSB) program from laboratory research to road-going prototype testing as of early 2026 [1][5]. The Chinese automotive giant, which controls a vast portfolio of brands including Volvo, Zeekr, Lotus, Lynk & Co, and Polestar, aims to complete the production of its first fully integrated in-house SSB pack this year [1][3]. This development marks a critical pivot point in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, as the company moves to validate the technology in real-world conditions immediately following the completion of the battery pack [2]. The transition signals that Geely is aggressively adhering to a timeline that places it at the forefront of the industry, with the next 24 months expected to be pivotal for the commercialization of this technology [1].
Technical Superiority and Range
The technical specifications of these new power units represent a significant leap over incumbent technology. Geely’s solid-state cells boast an energy density of 400 Wh/kg [1][2]. When compared to the standard lithium-ion batteries currently dominating the market, which typically range between 200 and 300 Wh/kg, this new architecture offers a potential density increase of up to 100 percent at the lower bound [1]. This density is the primary driver behind the headline-grabbing range figures, with the new system capable of delivering up to 650 miles (approximately 1,046 km) on a single charge [1]. For consumers, the implications of this density boost are tangible; analysts project that for vehicles like the Volvo EX60, which currently offers a range of around 805 km, the integration of SSB technology could extend this capacity to between 1,046 and 1,127 km [1].
Safety and Structural Advantages
Beyond the impressive range metrics, the shift to solid electrolytes addresses one of the automotive industry’s most persistent safety liabilities: the flammability of liquid electrolytes found in traditional batteries [4]. The new solid-state architecture significantly lowers the risk of thermal runaway, promising a safer operational profile even in accident scenarios [1][4]. Furthermore, the technology allows for greater flexibility in vehicle design; the higher energy density enables manufacturers to utilize smaller, lighter packs to achieve standard ranges, or maintain pack size to achieve the breakthrough distances Geely is now testing [1]. This innovation aligns with broader industry goals to produce vehicles that are not only efficient but also sustainable, with longer life cycles for the battery units [4].
Strategic Consolidation and Market Rivals
Geely’s rapid advancement is the result of a structural reorganization executed last year. In 2025, the company consolidated its various battery operations under a single entity, Zhejiang Jiyao Tongxing Energy Technology, to streamline development and leverage its safety patent portfolio [2]. This centralized approach has allowed Geely to accelerate its timeline, potentially edging out domestic rivals. For instance, competitor Dongfeng is currently testing prototypes with a lower target density of 350 Wh/kg and does not aim for mass production until 2027 [2]. Similarly, SAIC Motor’s partner, Qingtao Energy, is also targeting a 2027 timeline for mass deliveries, despite having completed its production line commissioning [2]. As Geely begins its road tests this year, it places significant pressure on other major players like Toyota, BMW, and Stellantis, who are also in the race to bring solid-state solutions to the mass market [1].