745 miles vs 930 miles: The US and EU are losing the EV battery race against China
While the USA is behind 745 miles, it would be excellent. The real breakthrough is with solid-state technology. The challenge will be to bring production costs down. See the following article
Story by Tyler Park
“Solid-state battery technology is moving closer to real-world adoption, marking a potential turning point for the electric vehicle industry. Often described as the long-awaited breakthrough in battery development, the technology promises to significantly extend driving range while improving safety. Recent reports indicate that both Chinese and U.S. developers have begun real-world testing, with early commercialization targeted around 2027.
Chinese automakers are pushing aggressively to lead this transition. Chery has unveiled a fully solid-state battery with an energy density of 600 Wh/kg, claiming a range of more than 930 miles under the CLTC standard and planning vehicle testing through its premium Exeed brand ahead of mass production. Changan is pursuing a similar path with its Golden Bell battery, targeting comparable range figures and preparing prototype deployments as early as 2026. Dongfeng has also demonstrated progress, testing a 350 Wh/kg prototype in extreme cold conditions with a reported range exceeding 620 miles.
At the same time, major battery leaders are bridging current technology with future breakthroughs. BYD continues to advance its lithium iron phosphate-based Blade Battery 2.0, delivering up to 620 miles of range alongside ultra-fast charging capabilities of up to 1,500 kW, enabling rapid charging in minutes. CATL is also moving toward solid-state development, with plans for limited production by 2027, signaling that large-scale industry adoption may not be far off.
In the United States and Europe, progress is being driven through partnerships and focused innovation. Factorial has integrated its solid-state battery into a modified Mercedes-Benz EQS, achieving an estimated range of 745 miles with energy density roughly 80% higher than conventional lithium-ion batteries. Collaborations with automakers including Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis suggest that the first production vehicles using this technology could arrive within the same 2027 timeframe.
Beyond range improvements, the true advantage of solid-state batteries lies in their fundamental design. By replacing liquid electrolytes with solid materials, the technology reduces fire risk, increases energy density, and enables lighter, more compact battery packs. This opens the door to improved vehicle efficiency, more interior space, and new design possibilities. As competition intensifies globally, solid-state batteries are shaping up to be a defining factor in the next phase of electric vehicle development.”
