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March 20, 2025 – After years of hype, solid-state batteries are finally moving toward production. Chinese automaker Geely has announced it will begin piloting its next-generation solid-state battery packs in vehicles from 2025, promising a range of over 621 miles (1,000 km) and a lifespan of up to 1 million kilometers (621,000 miles). The technology could rival diesel cars in driving range while eliminating range anxiety for EV owners.
Geely’s solid-state batteries achieve a power density of 500 Wh/kg — far higher than the 250–300 Wh/kg typical of current lithium-ion packs. The company claims these cells will be deployed first in models from its stable of brands: Zeekr, Lynk & Co, Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, and Smart. The pilot program is set to start next year, though Geely has not confirmed whether customers will be able to take delivery of solid-state-equipped EVs immediately after the pilot phase.
Why this matters for the US market
Despite the breakthrough, American consumers may not see Geely’s solid-state batteries in domestic showrooms. The United States currently imposes heavy tariffs on vehicles and components imported from China, effectively blocking Geely’s battery technology from entering the market. However, the company’s announcement puts pressure on US automakers to accelerate their own solid-state programs.
Other players are already moving. Stellantis and Karma Automotive are collaborating with battery startup Factorial on solid-state cells, targeting production by 2026. Ford is investing in alternative chemistries such as lithium manganese rich (LMR) while also conducting internal solid-state research. General Motors is taking a similar cautious approach, focusing on cost reductions for existing lithium-ion packs before committing to next-gen technology.
What makes Geely’s battery different
Beyond range and lifespan, Geely’s solid-state architecture reduces the risk of thermal runaway — a key safety advantage over liquid electrolyte batteries. The company’s engineering team has reportedly solved the dendrite growth problem that has plagued solid-state development, enabling the 1 million km life cycle. This longevity could dramatically lower total cost of ownership for fleet operators and ride-hailing services.
Industry analysts note that Geely’s timeline is aggressive but plausible given its massive R&D budget and close ties to battery suppliers. The Chinese government has also prioritized solid-state battery development as part of its “Made in China 2025” strategy, providing subsidies and production support.
The road ahead
Geely has not disclosed a mass production timeline, but the pilot program will likely generate real-world data on durability, charging speed, and cold-weather performance. If successful, the company could leapfrog many Western rivals in the next two years. For US consumers, the real impact may come indirectly: as Chinese solid-state batteries lower costs through scale, American automakers may be forced to accelerate their own plans — or risk falling behind in the EV arms race.
For now, the solid-state revolution is finally visible on the horizon. Whether it arrives in America depends on trade policy as much as technology.
