[SMM Analysis: Samsung SDI’s “Contrarian Big Bet” — 25 Trillion Won Staked on Next-Generation Batteries Could Rewrite Global Energy Landscape] Samsung SDI disclosed a regulatory filing on July 3, announcing an investment of approximately 16 trillion won (about 88 billion yuan) into its Ulsan plant by 2040, to build large-scale production sites for all-solid-state batteries, LFP batteries for ESS, and sodium-ion batteries. A day earlier (July 2), the company had announced an investment of 9 trillion won into its Cheonan plant, for setting up a mother production line for next-generation battery technology verification and R&D facilities. Combined, the two investments total 25 trillion won, spanning a period of 14 years and lasting until 2040.

[SMM Analysis: Impact on Solid-state Batteries of the Ministry of Commerce Adding 10 US Entities to the Export Control List] On June 22, 2026, the Ministry of Commerce issued an announcement and, effective immediately, formally implemented the "Export Control List (June 22, 2026)," which includes 10 US entities. This export control measure has almost no direct impact on China's solid-state battery industry, but attention should be paid to the indirect link of the rare earth supply chain. (1) China already has export controls on high-end batteries with an energy density exceeding 300 Wh/kg (including semi-solid and all-solid-state), and this measure targeting specific entities is an extension of the existing control framework rather than a new restriction specifically aimed at the solid-state battery industry. (2) The solid-state battery industry is still in the development stage and has not yet generated a significant export demand.

On June 5, 2026, Helios Horizon achieved the world’s first crewed fixed-wing flight powered by solid-state batteries. The test validated solid-state technology in real aviation conditions, showing a 60% energy density improvement (410 Wh/kg) and 15‑minute fast charging. While cost and certification remain challenges, the milestone recalibrates industry expectations and offers a clearer path forward for electric aviation.

Dongfeng’s new-generation solid-state battery (oxide-polymer composite) to start mass production in 2H 2026; demo vehicles logged >3.2 million km safely. Dongchi Energy’s semi-solid device shipped to Djibouti (offshore oil platform application). Aviation solid-state battery energy density exceeds 480Wh/kg, boosting eVTOL range by 65%+. Sun Xueliang’s team achieved low-cost Li₂S (cutting sulfide electrolyte cost by >86%) and Li-Te battery with 13,000+ cycles.

Material Prices: Most solid-state battery materials declined. LPSC dropped 5.5% to RMB 7,280/kg, Li₂S fell 3.8% to RMB 1,530/kg, Li metal and LFP fell 1.7% and 1.4% respectively. Only P₂S₅ rose 2.6%. Oxide electrolytes (LATP, LLZO) were flat.

​​​​​​​Industrialization accelerated sharply in May: SAIC MG 4X launched with a semi-solid battery (53.9kWh, 510km range). Gotion Hi-Tech unveiled its “Jinshi” all-solid-state battery (400Wh/kg) aiming for 1 yuan/Wh cost by 2030. Qingtao Energy’s 5-billion-yuan, 20GWh project advanced. MIIT started solid-state battery standards.

CIBF2026 Solid-State Battery Recap: It’s Complicated – Everyone Is Moving Toward Solid-State, but Everyone Is Still Testing the Waters May 13–15, 2026 – The solid-state battery exhibition revealed that solid-state has become a "must-have" for exhibitors. However, technology paths (sulfide/oxide/semi-solid) remain deeply divided, the definition of "mass production" has been diluted, and most products are still in the sample-validation stage.

[SMM Analysis: 2027 Outlook: Solid-State Battery Signals from Beijing Auto Show] The Beijing Auto Show, which opened on April 24, 2026, became a showcase platform for solid-state battery "real vehicle integration." BYD's sulphide all-solid-state battery debuted in a real vehicle first, featuring 480Wh/kg, with small-batch vehicle installation planned for 2027; Chery's Rhino S achieved an energy density of 600Wh/kg, leading the show. CATL's condensed-matter battery completed aviation verification and is backward compatible with passenger vehicles. Semi-solid-state batteries are on the eve of mass production, with MG already bringing prices down to the 100,000-yuan level. Industry consensus: mass production will begin in 2027, and price parity between liquid and solid-state batteries is expected by 2030.

On April 21, 2026, CATL unveiled the Qilin Condensed Battery, the third-generation Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery, the third-generation Qilin Battery, the second-generation Xiaoyao Super Extended-Range Hybrid Battery, the NaXin Battery, and the "Super Swap-Integrated" charging network plan at its "Super Tech Day" in Beijing.

Latrobe Magnesium of Australia received a $2 million advance payment to accelerate its fly ash-to-magnesium demonstration project, with all products to be sold to the US market. Canada's West High Yield Resources signed a long-term sales agreement, marking a key step toward the commercialization of the Record Ridge magnesium mine. MG plans to mass-produce semi-solid-state battery car models by the end of 2026, and the application potential of magnesium materials in lightweight structures and battery components is expected to expand.