Hongqi has officially moved its solid-state battery technology from the laboratory to real-vehicle testing. On 31st December 2025, the Chinese luxury marque successfully installed its first independently developed solid-state battery pack into a Hongqi Tiangong 06. Serving as essentially a rolling lab, this special Tiangong 06 will mark the formal start of its real-vehicle testing programme for its in-house developed solid state battery, as reported by CarNewsChina, citing Y-Auto.
Solid-state batteries are often referred to as the next-generation battery technology. They are more power-dense and lighter than traditional lithium-ion batteries, which use liquid or gel electrolytes. With a higher density, carmakers are able to offer the same battery capacity in a smaller overall package, which essentially translates to lighter EVs with more range. Furthermore, the absence of liquid electrolytes also significantly reduces the risk of thermal runaway, making EVs inherently safer.
Developed by Hongqi’s own research and development institute, its solid-state battery is touted as the first of its kind to be installed in a production-intent model. The Tiangong 06 was selected as the test bed due to its technical foundations. Built on the modular Hongqi Tiangong Architecture, the SUV supports both 400V and 900V electrical architectures. It is also available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive layouts, allowing Hongqi to evaluate the compatibility of the solid-state battery across various power and drivetrain configurations.
Hongqi says that the milestone is a result of an intense 470-day development programme. During this period, the Chinese marque says that its researchers were able to overcome key technical hurdles in the production of sulfide-based solid electrolytes in larger 60 Ah cells.
RELATED: Hongqi HS6 sets Guinness World Record for longest PHEV SUV range at 2,327 km
For now, Hongqi is keeping the specific specs of its solid-state battery under wraps. The public will likely have to wait until 2027, when the carmaker plans to debut the technology in a select range of flagship sedans and SUVs.
Hongqi is not the only carmaker making major strides in battery tech. MG Motor recently began deliveries of the MG4 Anxin Edition in China, which holds the title of the world’s first mass-produced EV to feature a semi-solid-state battery. It claims this new chemistry is not only safer, but also offers significantly improved performance and charging efficiency during extreme cold-weather conditions.
