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Nature Study Reports 700 Wh/kg Lithium-Metal Cell as Chinese Automakers Announce Near-Term Solid-State Rollouts

Lab gains outpace real-world validation, leaving safety, cycle life and manufacturability unclear.

Overview

  • The Nature paper led by Chen Jun details a fluorinated electrolyte that enables lithium‑metal cells above 700 Wh/kg at room temperature and near 400 Wh/kg at −50°C.
  • FAW, working with Chen’s team, says it has installed a 500 Wh/kg lithium‑rich manganese solid‑liquid pack in a vehicle with a claimed CLTC range over 1,000 km and a target for mass production by late 2026.
  • Changan plans to begin fitting its 400 Wh/kg “Golden Bell” solid‑state pack to robots and EVs in the third quarter of 2026, with full mass production slated for 2027, and it cites up to 1,500 km range.
  • Dongfeng reports testing a roughly 350 Wh/kg solid‑state cell and targets a production‑car rollout this year, aiming for September, with a claimed range above 1,000 km.
  • Other major Chinese players including BYD, SAIC, GAC, CATL and Chery are pursuing similar high‑energy or solid‑state chemistries, signaling a fast‑moving commercialization race.