Chinese Electric Vehicles Travel Over 1,000 Kilometres on Single Charge, Overtaking American Competitors
Chinese scientists have made a breakthrough in electric vehicle technology. Researchers from Nankai University have developed a next-generation solid-state battery with the potential to enable electric vehicles to travel more than 1,000 kilometres on a single charge.
According to an official university statement, the high-energy battery system has already been installed in a vehicle and tested for long-distance travel.
This battery technology features energy density exceeding 500 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), approximately 30 per cent higher than the best current lithium-ion batteries, which range around 300 Wh/kg.
The higher energy density allows electric vehicles to travel greater distances with lighter battery weight and smaller size.
Although details of the vehicle used have not been disclosed, further reports indicate testing was conducted using a prototype vehicle developed by China Automotive New Energy Battery (CANEB), a battery subsidiary of China FAW Group.
The researchers noted that solid-state batteries offer several advantages over conventional batteries, particularly regarding safety. The liquid electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries is highly flammable, whilst solid electrolytes are non-flammable and have lower risk of catastrophic failure.
Additionally, this technology potentially offers longer lifespan by reducing dendrite growth—metallic protrusions that can trigger battery short circuits.
The battery uses a lithium-rich manganese cathode combined with a hybrid solid-liquid electrolyte system with super-wetting technology designed to enhance ion conductivity whilst maintaining safety.
Currently, the battery pack has a total capacity of 142 kWh with energy density of 288 Wh/kg at system level after accounting for supporting components such as cooling systems, cables and protective structures.
Looking forward, developers are targeting energy density of 340 Wh/kg at the pack level with capacity up to 200 kWh. If achieved, electric vehicles could travel over 1,600 kilometres on a single charge.
By comparison, the median range of electric vehicles produced in 2024 is approximately 455 kilometres, whilst the current longest-range model is the Lucid Air at 825 kilometres.
The solid-state battery research represents a collaboration between university and industry and has not been independently verified through peer-review. Nevertheless, the research demonstrates that solid-state battery technology is rapidly progressing from laboratory experimental stages towards real-world testing and has the potential to transform electric vehicle range, safety and performance.