A groundbreaking advancement in solid-state battery technology has been achieved in December 2025, effectively doubling the range of new energy vehicles from 500 kilometers to 1000 kilometers. This innovation not only addresses a key concern for electric vehicle adoption but also significantly contributes to China's rise in the global innovation landscape.
The development marks a major leap forward in battery technology, replacing traditional liquid electrolytes with a solid separator. This results in higher energy density, improved safety, faster charging times, and longer lifecycles compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. The increased range addresses a primary concern of EV owners and enhances the practicality of electric vehicles.
This technological advancement has played a crucial role in propelling China into the top 10 of the Global Innovation Index (GII) for the first time. The GII, released annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), evaluates the innovation performance of approximately 140 economies based on around 80 indicators. China's rise to 10th place reflects its commitment to innovation-driven development and its growing strength in research and development, high-tech exports, and innovation outputs.
China's performance in the GII is particularly strong in Innovation Output, ranking 5th globally. The country also boasts the highest number of top 100 global science and technology innovation clusters, with 24 clusters listed in the 2025 index. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster has taken the top spot globally.
This breakthrough in solid-state battery technology and China's ascent in the Global Innovation Index signals a new era of sustainable transportation and technological leadership. It underscores the importance of continued investment in research and development to address global challenges and drive economic growth.