China is aggressively expanding its solid-state battery production capabilities, with two major projects in Jiangxi province alone adding a combined 3 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of capacity. These developments, alongside expansions in other battery technologies like LMFP cathodes, demonstrate a strategic push to dominate the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain.
Jiangxi Projects: A New Wave of Solid-State Production
Two key projects are driving this expansion. First, Pure Lithium New Energy is moving forward with a 1 GWh solid-state battery plant in Jiangxi’s Huko County. The facility, occupying over 68,000 square meters, is slated for EV applications, with small-scale testing planned for 2026 and potential vehicle trials in 2027. This could mark one of the first commercial deployments of full solid-state batteries in Chinese EVs.
Simultaneously, Sanwei Battery (Shaanxi) is investing 17 billion yuan (approximately $2.43 billion USD) in a separate Jiangxi project. This initiative includes a solid-state battery R&D center and a 2 GWh manufacturing base, also targeting EV applications. Sanwei Battery, founded in late 2024, is backed by Guorui Supply Chain Company (70%) and Sanwei Guoheng (30%)—investment firms focused on the battery sector.
Broader Expansion: Multiple Locations, Consistent Focus
Sanwei Battery is not limiting its expansion to Jiangxi. The company is also developing a 1 GWh solid-state lithium battery production base in Zhangjiakou, Hebei, within an automotive industrial park. Further, its subsidiary, Sanwei (Longyan) Battery Technology Co., Ltd., has already secured environmental approval for another 1 GWh solid-state lithium battery project.
These expansions, combined with the Pure Lithium project, illustrate China’s commitment to solid-state battery technology. The projects are designed to feed the EV supply chain but remain independent of automakers, operating as specialized suppliers.
Why This Matters: The Future of EV Batteries
China’s aggressive investment in solid-state batteries is a deliberate move to secure leadership in the next generation of EV technology. Solid-state batteries offer higher energy density, improved safety, and faster charging compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. By building capacity now, China aims to be at the forefront of this transition.
The simultaneous expansion of other battery technologies, like LMFP, suggests a diversified approach to meeting growing EV demand while also hedging bets on future innovations. This strategy ensures that China remains a dominant force in the global EV supply chain.
These projects will likely reshape the industry by 2027, as solid-state batteries move from pilot programs to real-world vehicle integration.
