FAW Group's R&D Academy held a technology open day in Changchun, showcasing core technologies including solid-state batteries, drive-by-wire chassis, and advanced intelligent driving. The solid-state battery achieves an energy density of 400Wh/kg, with vehicles expected to deliver over 1,000km of range. Hongqi plans to launch multiple new NEV models on an all-new platform in H2, targeting over 60% NEV share.
Solid-State Battery: The Critical Leap in Energy Density
At the July 11, 2026 technology open day, FAW Group's R&D Academy publicly disclosed the latest progress on its solid-state battery technology for the first time. The technology achieves an energy density of 400Wh/kg — a gain of over 30% compared to current mainstream ternary lithium batteries at 250-300Wh/kg.
Solid-state batteries are widely regarded as the ultimate next-generation power battery solution, with core advantages including:
- Higher energy density: Theoretical ceiling exceeds 500Wh/kg, far surpassing liquid electrolyte batteries
- Enhanced safety: Solid electrolytes are non-flammable and non-leaking, fundamentally reducing thermal runaway risk
- Wider operating temperature range: Stable performance from -40°C to 100°C
- Longer cycle life: Expected to exceed 2,000 charge/discharge cycles
Expected Range on Production Vehicles
Based on the 400Wh/kg energy density level, Hongqi's planned solid-state battery vehicles are expected to exceed 1,000km of range. This means:
- Daily commuters can achieve "one charge per week"
- Long-distance travel requires significantly fewer charging stops
- Particularly beneficial for users in cold climates (substantially reduced low-temperature degradation)
| Battery Type | Energy Density (Wh/kg) | Expected Range (km) | Mass Production |
|---|---|---|---|
| LFP (current mainstream) | 160-180 | 400-500 | In production |
| NCM (current mainstream) | 250-300 | 600-700 | In production |
| Hongqi Solid-State | 400 | 1,000+ | Expected 2027 |
| Next-gen solid-state (target) | 500+ | 1,200+ | R&D phase |
Drive-by-Wire Chassis: Redefining the Driving Experience
In addition to solid-state batteries, FAW Hongqi showcased its drive-by-wire chassis technology. This approach replaces traditional mechanical linkages with electrical signals, achieving full electronic control of steering, braking, and suspension.
The core value of drive-by-wire chassis includes:
- Faster response: Electrical signal transmission latency is far lower than mechanical linkages, enabling more precise steering and braking
- Space optimization: Elimination of mechanical rods and hydraulic lines frees up layout flexibility for cabin and cargo space
- Feature expansion: Provides foundational hardware support for L3+ advanced intelligent driving
- Programmability: Supports customizable chassis characteristics across different driving modes
Synergy with Advanced Intelligent Driving
Hongqi's advanced intelligent driving system forms a hardware-software synergy with the drive-by-wire chassis. Through platforms like EX1000.COM, overseas users can track Hongqi's latest progress in intelligent driving. This combination gives Hongqi a complete technology stack to advance toward L3 conditional autonomous driving.
Key specifications of the advanced driving system:
- Perception hardware: Multi-sensor fusion with LiDAR, HD cameras, and mmWave radar
- Compute platform: Single-chip performance exceeding 500 TOPS
- Coverage scenarios: Highway NOA, urban NOA, and automated parking across all scenarios
Hongqi Accelerates Its NEV Strategy
The technology open day sent a clear signal: Hongqi is accelerating its transition to new energy.
In H2, Hongqi will launch multiple new NEV models on an all-new platform. According to the plan:
- NEV model share target exceeds 60%
- The new pure-electric platform supports 800V high-voltage fast-charging architecture
- Solid-state battery models are expected to enter mass production in 2027
| Technology Domain | Current Level | Industry Benchmark | Hongqi Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid-state battery density | 400Wh/kg | Industry-leading (mainstream 250-300) | First tier |
| Drive-by-wire chassis | Full-stack in-house | Few OEMs capable | Self-developed |
| Advanced ADAS | Multi-sensor fusion | Top-tier level | Catcher → Leader |
