Great Wall Motor's Wei Jianjun: Solid-State Batteries Need at Least Five More Years for Commercialization

On March 18, Wei Jianjun, Chairman of Great Wall Motor, stated that the company's solid-state batteries are still in the technology development and validation phase, and it will take at least five more years before they become commercially viable and ready for vehicle integration. He noted that solid-state batteries continue to face multiple challenges regarding cost, safety, and performance. Great Wall is focusing on the sulfide-based technical route and has already achieved kilogram-scale production capability for sulfide solid electrolytes, as well as developed a 20Ah battery prototype. Wei urged the industry to maintain a rational perspective on technological progress. Notably, SVOLT Energy Technology (formerly Great Wall Motor’s battery division) has made progress in semi-solid-state batteries: its first-generation high-nickel semi-solid-state battery is already in limited production and has been installed in European vehicle models; the second-generation battery, designed for eVTOL aircraft, has completed trial flights; and a mid-nickel semi-solid-state battery targeting mid-to-high-end passenger vehicles is scheduled for mass production in October 2026. Additionally, a 100kWh semi-solid-state battery supporting 6C fast charging will enter mass production and be installed in vehicles in the third quarter of this year.