China’s Geely targets 621-mile EV range with 2027 solid-state battery deployment

The long-promised solid-state battery revolution just got its loudest endorsement yet. Chinese automotive giant Geely Holding officially announced plans to launch pilot deployments of solid-state batteries across its extensive lineup of vehicle brands by 2027. The technology is slated to reach a massive array of marques, including Volvo, Zeekr, Polestar, Lotus, Lynk & Co, and Smart. The technical claims are huge. Geely says its battery pack will achieve an energy density of 500 Wh/kg. Reportedly, that effectively doubles the energy performance of the company’s current liquid-based “Golden Brick” cells (250 Wh/kg). “Coming soon to vehicles across the Geely Holding ecosystem: solid-state battery technology with energy densities reaching 500 Wh/kg, range comparable to diesel, and charging measured in minutes,” the company stated in the LinkedIn post. 1 million kilometer lifespan Electric vehicles will soon store far more power without added bulk or weight, enabled by next-generation solid-state batteries that double energy density to 500 Wh/kg. This leap could enable Geely’s upcoming electric cars to break the 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) threshold on a single charge. It could offer a driving range that rivals long-distance diesel vehicles and eliminate the frequent stops associated with long EV road trips. To make this leap, Geely isn’t working alone. The automaker revealed a materials partnership with Dow Chemical. Dow key account technical leader Bo Tong confirmed the chemical company developed a specialized solid-state cell adhesive. It remains rock-solid in brutal temperatures ranging from -40°C to 120°C (-40 to 248 degrees Fahrenheit). This allows the battery to preserve its structural integrity and performance through brutal winter freezes and intense fast-charging cycles alike. On the other hand, liquid batteries lose significant efficiency in freezing conditions. In addition to extended range, long-term durability is a major selling point for prospective buyers. Reports suggest that solid-state battery technology could offer an operational lifespan of up to 1 million kilometers (roughly 621,000 miles). This exceptional longevity directly addresses concerns over battery degradation and replacement costs, allowing vehicles to outlast conventional ownership cycles and improving the long-term resale value of second-hand electric cars. The 2027 race Solid-state batteries replace flammable liquid electrolytes with solid materials, drastically reducing fire hazards during collisions or short circuits. Geely’s move comes amid a fierce race across the electric vehicle landscape. Geely’s announcement coincides with identical 2027 trial production targets from BYD, CATL, Gotion High-Tech, and CALB, indicating 2027 is becoming the global industry deadline for early SSB deployment. However, real challenges remain. CATL Chairman Robin Zeng cautioned earlier that solid-state development still sits around Level 4 on the 9-point Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale, meaning the industry is still mastering partial-scale prototypes before true mass production takes hold. Real-world validation testing is already underway. If Geely and its suppliers hit their 2027 pilot targets, the days of diesel dominance may finally be numbered. Critical variables like cold-weather performance, charging speeds, production yields, and overall costs will ultimately determine success beyond mere headline numbers. Nonetheless, Geely’s scheduled 2027 pilot deployment offers a tangible timeline to validate these solid-state claims on actual roads, potentially reshaping consumer perception if the production hardware meets expectations. Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Mrigakshi is a science journalist who enjoys writing about space exploration, biology, and technological innovations. Her work has been featured in well-known publications including Nature India, Supercluster, The Weather Channel and Astronomy magazine. If you have pitches in mind, please do not hesitate to email her.