China has released the world's first technical standards for all-solid-state batteries in electric vehicles, accelerating its push to dominate the market for what is often called the "dream battery." The country is positioning itself to lead the EV industry as it plans to commercialize the first electric vehicles equipped with all-solid-state batteries next year.
On December 30, China's Automotive Standardization Technical Committee announced the standard titled "All-Solid-State Batteries for Electric Vehicles—Part 1: Terminology and Classification," according to Chinese media outlet Jiemian on Saturday. This marks the world's first standardization effort for all-solid-state batteries, with the draft to be finalized after a public comment period.
The standards establish a strict classification system based on electrolyte type. Batteries are categorized as liquid, solid-liquid hybrid, or solid according to their ion transfer method. As interest in all-solid-state batteries has grown, terms such as semi-solid, quasi-solid, and all-solid have been used interchangeably, confusing consumers. The new standards replace the term "semi-solid battery" with "solid battery."
To qualify as an all-solid-state battery under the standards, mass loss rate under dry conditions must be 0.5% or less. The standards also include classifications within all-solid-state batteries based on electrolyte type, ion type, and application.
After finalizing terminology, China plans to sequentially expand the standards to include Part 2 (performance specifications), Part 3 (safety specifications), and Part 4 (lifespan specifications).
All-solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of conventional liquid electrolytes, offering lower fire risk and higher energy density. They are called "dream batteries" because they can extend EV driving range, improve safety, and are less affected by external temperatures, addressing issues such as winter performance degradation.
Battery makers and global automakers in Korea, Japan, the United States, and Germany view all-solid-state batteries as a game changer for the EV sector and are racing toward commercialization. In China, established lithium-ion battery manufacturers including CATL, BYD, and Gotion High-Tech, automakers such as SAIC Motor and Chery, as well as startups specializing in all-solid-state technology like WeLion and Qingtao Energy are actively developing the technology. Guotai Junan Securities said all-solid-state battery development "is accelerating from the laboratory stage to pilot production," with companies targeting commercialization in EVs by 2027.