- BYD will begin limited production of solid-state batteries in 2027.
- Sulphide-based solid-state electrolytes offer superior energy density and faster charging.
- Initial deployment in Yangwang luxury EVs, with eventual rollout to mass-market models.
BYD has officially confirmed it will begin producing solid-state EV batteries in 2027, marking a significant milestone in the race toward next-generation battery technology.
The announcement, delivered by BYD's Investor Relations Department, puts the world's largest EV maker on track to mass-produce the cells by around 2030, a timeline that aligns with industry heavyweights from Toyota to Mercedes-Benz.
The chemistry behind the breakthrough
BYD's solid-state batteries will employ sulphiide-based electrolytes, a formulation that promises measurably superior performance over conventional liquid lithium-ion cells.
These electrolytes deliver higher conductivity, enhanced safety characteristics, and critically, dramatically increased energy density. For EVs, that means longer range and shorter charging times, the two factors that still hold back mainstream adoption in many markets.
The company has been developing the technology since 2013. By 2023, BYD demonstrated that mass production was feasible, followed by testing of cell prototypes rated at 20 and 60 ampere-hours throughout 2024. This engineering groundwork has positioned BYD to transition from laboratory proof-of-concept to commercial manufacturing within the year.
Luxury first, then the masses
BYD's production roadmap follows a measured, risk-aware strategy.
The initial two years (2027 through 2029) will serve as a limited-production phase, allowing the company to refine manufacturing processes and validate real-world performance.
During this period, solid-state cells will debut in Yangwang, BYD's premium sub-brand, before trickling down to mass-market models toward the end of the decade.
This approach mirrors the broader industry trend: solid-state technology is expensive to produce and requires manufacturing precision.
Mercedes recently drove a modified EQS equipped with Factorial's solid-state cells for over 1200km on a single charge, demonstrating the technology's potential.
Chinese competitors FAW and Dongfeng have also announced solid-state testing programmes. BYD's confirmed timeline signals confidence while acknowledging the technical complexity still ahead.
For New Zealand buyers, the significance is straightforward. BYD is aggressively expanding its market footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. A confirmed solid-state roadmap strengthens the brand's competitive positioning against established players and signals serious investment in battery innovation that will likely eventually reach local markets.