Radical 1000km electric cars on the way: Chinese brand FAW has unveils a new hybrid solid-state battery to rival BYD and Chery that will change the EV game

Chinese brand FAW has unveiled a new type of battery, which can achieve a driving range exceeding 1000km, according to reports.

The battery has a capacity of 142kWh, and offers an energy density of 500Wh per kilogram. 

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Chinese companies are continuing to develop their solid-state batteries, such as BYD and Chery that have recently announced projects.

Chery claims its solid-state battery has an energy density of 600Wh per kilogram, but FAW’s efforts still represent a significant improvement on conventional alternatives.

Traditional solid-state batteries do not use a liquid or gel electrolyte for the mechanical separator. 

Unlike solid-state, the mechanical separator in FAW's battery is made up of a slurry-like substance, combining solid and liquid components. 

This hybrid composition is able to provide the desired high energy density in comparison to common lithium-iron batteries, while also offering potential for cost-effective mass-production.

The lithium-manganese battery developed by FAW features lithium manganese cells and solid electrolyte elements.

While this battery has been mounted into an FAW car, there is no news on the battery's full-scale production future.

FAW produce several electric models, and from the photo, it looks like the battery has been fitted to the Hongqi Tiangong 05 sedan launched in 2025.

Solid-state batteries have commercial and manufacturing challenges in the pursuit of full-scale mass-production, which is why some car makers have ruled them out in the short and medium term.

BYD and Chery have taken different approaches for the composition of its solid-state battery, but neither brand has committed to long-term mass-production of the technology.

Chery has unveiled two cars featuring solid-state batteries, but they are both part of the brand’s premium Exeed branch, so it will not be offered in mainstream products. BYD will only produce solid-state vehicles in a small batch coming next year. 

FAW’s hybrid alternative could offer a route towards solid-state in the interim while the technology develops towards a more sustainable level.