China is taking the lead in establishing international standards for solid-state batteries, a key technology for the future electric vehicle industry.
The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) recently announced on its website that the international standard for automotive solid-state batteries, proposed by China, has been approved as a new standardization project by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
The proposed international standard includes guidelines for the application, testing items, and testing conditions of rechargeable lithium-ion solid-state batteries used in electric vehicles. Experts from several countries, including France, Japan, and South Korea, also participated in the proposal process, according to SAMR.
SAMR emphasized that determining how to test and evaluate the performance of solid-state batteries based on domestic research and development standards is a key aspect of this international standard.
Solid-state batteries, which use solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones, are gaining attention for their potential to enhance safety and energy density compared to traditional batteries. Although still in the early stages, interest in the market is growing as prototype development and limited commercialization begin.
Notably, solid-state batteries are recognized for their ability to maintain relatively stable performance even in extreme temperatures. This makes them a promising power source not only for vehicles but also for humanoid robots, drones, and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that China's move to establish international standards for solid-state batteries is seen as a strategy to lead not only the technology of next-generation industries but also the rules of the global market.
An international standards researcher from China told SCMP, "When Chinese products enter overseas markets, it will become easier to meet local standards without significantly altering technical specifications or production processes." Securing international standards first can give domestic companies a competitive edge in the market. In fact, Europe and Japan have pursued similar strategies to secure international standards in new industrial sectors such as communications and advanced materials.
According to reports, China has also been rapidly refining its domestic standard system related to solid-state batteries. In July, it established the world's first national standard for solid-state batteries, clearly distinguishing the technical differences between solid-state batteries, hybrid solid-liquid batteries, and traditional liquid batteries. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology also released ten drafts of related industry standards last month for public feedback.
Yang Chaoxing, a battery analyst at Shanghai Metal Market, told SCMP, "China's initiative to establish international standards at the IEC level signifies that the solid-state battery industry has reached a critical turning point." As global automakers dive into solid-state battery development, standards are becoming a necessity rather than an option.
He noted, "China's testing methods and evaluation systems can become international standards, which is more important than how much is produced and sold." However, he cautioned that there are still challenges to mass production, including complex manufacturing technologies and significant investment costs, stating, "Standards are a catalyst for industrialization, but they are not a panacea for all problems."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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