BYD says it is close to bringing solid-state battery technology to production vehicles, with the Chinese car maker planning to introduce its first model using the technology in 2027.
The company believes it holds a strong position in both the development and commercialisation of solid-state batteries, which could eventually offer electric vehicles longer driving ranges, faster charging and improved safety compared with conventional lithium-ion technology.
BYD targets 2027 for its first solid-state model
BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li confirmed the company’s plans in a recent interview with Carwow’s Spanish outlet. She said BYD was in a “leading position” in solid-state battery development and commercialisation, adding that the company would use a production model to demonstrate the technology.
“Talking about solid-state batteries, BYD is in the leading position,” Li said. “We’re in the leading position for commercialisation and technology. So to prove that, next year, we have one model that will be the first one with that technology.”
The comments build on plans previously outlined by Sun Huajun, chief technology officer of BYD’s battery subsidiary FinDreams. Speaking at a battery conference in February 2025, Sun said BYD expected to demonstrate and install solid-state batteries in vehicles in 2027, with mass production expected to follow around 2030, according to CarNewsChina.
The planned launch does not mean BYD intends to abandon its existing lithium-based batteries. Lian Yubo, BYD’s chief scientist, said at the same conference that solid-state batteries would initially target higher-end vehicles. In contrast, lithium iron phosphate batteries would continue to serve other parts of the market.
“Solid-state batteries will be mainly used in high-end models, complementing lithium iron phosphate batteries, and used in vehicles of different levels,” Lian said.
This approach would allow BYD to introduce the newer technology without immediately replacing the battery systems already used across its electric vehicle range.
Solid-state batteries could improve range and safety
Solid-state batteries differ from conventional lithium-ion batteries mainly in the electrolyte that moves ions between the battery’s positive and negative electrodes. Traditional lithium-ion cells use a liquid electrolyte containing dissolved lithium salts, while solid-state designs replace the liquid with a solid material.
The solid electrolyte can be made using materials such as oxides, polymers or sulphides. BYD is developing sulphide-based solid-state technology, which could provide higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion cells.
Higher energy density could allow manufacturers to build smaller, lighter batteries while maintaining the same amount of stored energy. Alternatively, manufacturers could use a battery of similar size to today’s packs while increasing available energy, potentially extending an electric vehicle’s driving range.
Solid-state technology could also offer safety benefits. Conventional lithium-ion batteries use flammable liquid electrolytes and can experience thermal runaway if cells are severely damaged or develop certain faults. Solid electrolytes are less prone to this type of behaviour, although solid-state batteries are not automatically risk-free.
Another potential advantage is performance across a wider temperature range. Extreme heat and cold can affect battery performance, and solid-state technology is being developed partly to address these limitations.
However, several technical and manufacturing challenges remain before solid-state batteries can be produced at the scale and cost required for mass-market electric vehicles. Manufacturing complexity and material costs remain major barriers, helping explain why early applications are expected to appear in more expensive models.
BYD joins growing solid-state battery race
BYD is not the only car maker working towards production solid-state batteries. Several major manufacturers have announced plans to introduce the technology in vehicles during the second half of the decade, although development schedules and commercial availability vary between companies.
Toyota has previously targeted 2027 or 2028 for vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries. Mercedes-Benz has also been testing solid-state battery technology in an EQS-based vehicle and expects to introduce the technology before the end of the decade.
Stellantis has taken another step towards commercialisation by beginning road testing of a solid-state battery-powered Dodge Charger in 2026. The testing is intended to evaluate the technology under real-world driving conditions rather than solely in laboratory environments.
Honda has also been developing the technology and announced a partnership with QuantumScape earlier this year. The companies are working on solid-state battery technology as part of Honda’s longer-term efforts towards carbon neutrality by 2050.
For BYD, the 2027 vehicle will provide an important step towards determining how its sulphide-based solid-state cells perform in a production car. The company has indicated that wider adoption is likely to follow later, with mass production targeted around 2030.
The development could eventually give electric vehicle manufacturers another option to improve range, charging performance, and battery packaging. For now, however, solid-state batteries remain an emerging technology, and manufacturers are still working to overcome the cost and production challenges of bringing them to large-scale vehicle production.
