China has secured approval to lead development of what has been described as the first international standard project focused on solid-state batteries for electric vehicles, marking a new step in the country’s effort to shape technical rules as well as manufacturing capacity.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has approved a China-proposed project titled Electrically Propelled Road Vehicles — Secondary Lithium-Ion Cells — Solid-State Batteries — Application Guidelines, Test Items and Conditions. Experts from France, Japan and South Korea are participating in its development. The project is intended to establish common application guidance and testing conditions for solid-state battery cells used in electric vehicles. SMM
The distinction is important: IEC approval launches the international standard-development process; it does not mean a final global standard has been published or adopted by automakers. Its eventual influence will depend on the technical text, international participation and industry uptake.
The move follows the introduction of China’s GB/T 43568-2026, Electric Vehicle Solid-State Battery — Part 1: Terminology and Classification, which took effect on July 1. The recommended national standard defines liquid, hybrid solid-liquid and all-solid-state batteries using quantitative electrolyte-content thresholds. It therefore addresses terminology and classification rather than providing a complete performance, safety or durability rulebook. GB/T 43568-2026 overview
China has also created a policy incentive for the technology. From September 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028, solid-state batteries will be exempt from consumption tax. The exemption is conditional on a product meeting the relevant national standard and obtaining a qualifying test report. State Taxation Administration notice
Commercial deployment, however, remains at an early stage. Guangzhou Automobile Group（广汽集团, GAC）says its all-solid-state battery pilot line has entered operation and can produce automotive-grade cells of more than 60Ah, while describing the line as a bridge between laboratory development and volume manufacturing. Geely Holding Group（吉利控股集团）has outlined a 2027 pilot-deployment target, rather than broad commercial rollout. GAC announcement, Geely pilot plan
For China’s battery industry, the IEC project is strategically significant because testing methods can shape future certification, R&D and supply-chain decisions. But it should be read as an opportunity to help write a global framework—not proof that China has already established the framework or secured a durable market advantage. That will depend on whether the technology meets demanding cost, lifetime, manufacturability and safety requirements at scale.