The global race to unlock next-generation energy storage has reached a fever pitch, and China is staking its claim. In Chongqing’s Liangjiang New Area, the country’s largest solid-state battery production base is rising, backed by heavyweights like Ganfeng Lithium aiming to fast-track electrification and high-end auto development.
Chongqing itself is a test lab in motion. Automakers such as Changan Automobile and Seres are shifting boldly to new energy vehicles (NEVs), driving demand for millions of advanced batteries. This built-in market offers real-world scenarios for rapid R&D, testing and scale-up—advantages few other cities can match.
Although solid-state concepts date back to the 19th century, low conductivity and interface hurdles stalled progress for decades. Breakthroughs in 21st-century materials science have now opened the door to commercialization, igniting a four-cornered competition between the United States, Japan, South Korea and China.
In the US, startups like QuantumScape (backed by Volkswagen) and Solid Power (supported by Ford and BMW) are piloting lines from hundreds of megawatt-hours to gigawatt-hours. Japan’s Toyota, with over a thousand patents, is gearing up for mass production, while Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution in South Korea leverage consumer electronics expertise for a post-2027 rollout.
China’s strategy blends leadership from giants such as CATL and BYD, investing in sulfide-based systems, with nimble innovators including WELION New Energy, Ganfeng Lithium and Gotion High-Tech exploring semi-solid approaches. This diverse ecosystem creates a powerful cycle of data-driven improvement.
As the world’s largest NEV market, China offers unmatched application scenarios and rapid feedback loops. A deep supply chain—from raw materials to manufacturing—drives down costs and accelerates innovation. Yet Chongqing still faces hurdles in local raw-material sourcing, equipment production and talent recruitment. Building a competitive regional supply chain around flagship projects will be critical to securing long-term leadership in the solid-state arena.
Reference(s):
Global solid-state battery race heats up, China seizes an edge
cgtn.com
