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April 2025 – China’s role in the global battery industry is undergoing a significant shift. While the country already dominates manufacturing scale and market share in lithium-ion power batteries, its influence is now extending into the realm of international standard-setting for next-generation solid-state batteries.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) recently approved a China-led proposal for application guidelines, test items, and conditions for solid-state lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. This marks the first time China has taken the lead in developing an international standard for solid-state battery technology, according to a statement from China’s State Administration for Market Regulation.
The standard is being spearheaded by experts from a leading Chinese new-energy battery company, with participation from France, South Korea, Japan, and other countries. Industry observers note that this is more than a technical milestone—it reflects a broader shift in influence over the rules and standards that will shape the future of the global automotive industry.
From Manufacturing Muscle to Technical Authority
China’s ability to lead the development of a solid-state battery standard is built on years of accumulated technological, market, and supply-chain strengths in the lithium-ion battery sector, said Zhang Xiang, secretary-general of the International Intelligent Vehicle Engineering Association.
“Chinese companies have built extensive R&D, manufacturing, and testing experience across successive generations of battery chemistries—from lithium manganate to ternary lithium to lithium iron phosphate,” Zhang told media. “This foundation allows China to play a more significant role in shaping the technical rules for next-generation solid-state batteries.”
Zhang emphasized that unified testing and evaluation methods will help reduce discrepancies caused by different national testing systems, providing clearer benchmarks for global R&D and commercialization. This could accelerate the path from lab breakthroughs to mass production, cutting costs for automakers and battery suppliers worldwide.
Supply Chain Concentration Drives Standard Leadership
Data from the International Energy Agency’s Global EV Outlook 2026 underscores the scale of China’s battery dominance. In 2025, China accounted for 70% of global electric car production, over 80% of battery cell production, about 85% of cathode active material production, and more than 90% of anode active material production for EV batteries. This tightly clustered supply chain—from mineral refining to component manufacturing to final assembly—gives China unique leverage in setting industry standards.
However, Zhang stressed that the standard development is a collaborative effort. “The participation of experts from France, South Korea, Japan, and other countries shows that this is not a unilateral move. A unified standard can build broader technical consensus, reduce duplicated R&D and testing costs, and speed up technology validation and commercialization.”
Not a Barrier, but a Foundation
Some market observers initially worried that China’s standard-setting push could create new technological barriers. Zhang dismissed this concern, arguing that China’s role should be seen as helping establish a common framework that benefits the entire global solid-state battery industry.
“This is about creating a level playing field, not erecting walls,” Zhang said. “When companies in different countries follow the same test protocols, they can compare results directly, avoid redundant work, and focus on true innovation.”
What’s Next for Solid-State Battery Standards?
The IEC’s approval of the project is just the first step. The standard will undergo several rounds of technical review and public comment before final adoption. Meanwhile, Chinese battery giants like CATL and BYD have already announced capacity expansions for solid-state battery production, targeting 2027–2028 for commercial deployment in passenger EVs.
For the US and European automakers racing to catch up, the new standard offers both a challenge and an opportunity. Companies that align early with China-led testing norms could gain faster access to the largest EV market, while those that resist may face higher costs adapting later.
In the longer term, China’s move into standard-setting could accelerate the global transition to solid-state batteries by reducing the uncertainty that currently slows investment. With a unified testing framework, venture capital and automakers can more confidently fund R&D, knowing that results will be comparable across borders.
The Bigger Picture
China’s increasing role in international standard-setting for solid-state batteries is part of a broader trend. The country is also leading initiatives in 5G, AI, and renewable energy standards. As the world’s largest EV market and battery producer, its technical choices naturally influence global norms.
The key question is how other major economies will respond. Europe has its own battery alliance pushing for open standards, and the US Department of Energy has funded several solid-state battery consortia. But with China already holding the supply chain and now the standard-setting lead, the window for competitors to shape the rules is narrowing.
In the end, the new standard could be a win-win: it reduces friction for global trade in battery technology, speeds up innovation, and helps deliver cheaper, safer, and longer-range EVs to consumers worldwide. That’s a goal that transcends geopolitical competition.
