China's Solid-State Battery Goals and Current Progress
China aims to have solid-state batteries in widespread use by 2030, according to a new five-year battery plan from its industry ministry and six other agencies. While the country's largest battery manufacturer, CATL, rates the technology a modest four out of nine, signaling skepticism about its near-term vehicle adoption, significant steps are being taken.
Beijing's plan sets 2030 as the target for the first large-scale use of all-solid-state batteries, recognizing weaknesses in innovation and supply-demand imbalances. A plant in Dunkirk, France, slated to produce 0.8 GWh by 2028, is the largest new European cell project since Northvolt's bankruptcy. This plant, certified against a Chinese standard, will manufacture cells meeting GB/T 43568-2026, Beijing's all-solid-state specification introduced in July.
While Europe is making progress, Chinese and South Korean battery makers still dominate the market, supplying 90% of Europe's batteries.
Key Takeaways:
- China (read more here) sets 2030 as a target for large-scale solid-state battery deployment.
- CATL rates solid-state batteries a 4/9, indicating challenges remain.
- A large-scale European battery plant is under construction, but Chinese volume remains far greater.