Chery Automobile

Chinese automaker developing in-house solid-state batteries claiming 600 Wh/kg energy density, 50% higher than Donut Lab's specifications. - Targeting late 2026 solid-state deployment with 600 Wh/kg technology

For three decades, solid-state batteries have been the promised revolution that never arrived—a technology that would double EV range, enable five-minute charging, and eliminate fire risks. Toyota has been working on it since 1990. QuantumScape raised billions. Fisker claimed breakthroughs then abandoned the effort. Now a 20-person Finnish startup called Donut Lab says it has done what none of them could: put production solid-state batteries on the road. But on January 20, 2026, Yang Hongxin, CEO of Chinese battery giant Svolt Energy, called Donut Lab's claims "a scam," stating that "all the parameters are contradictory" and "any technician with basic knowledge would recognize it." With four weeks remaining until the Q1 2026 delivery deadline expires on March 31, verification is imminent.

Updated Feb 4

One of China's largest automakers, exploring entry into Canadian EV market following tariff reduction. - Exploring Canadian market entry

Canada followed the U.S. in imposing 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in October 2024. Seventeen months later, Prime Minister Mark Carney flew to Beijing and cut them to 6.1%—the first explicit break with American trade policy since Trump began his tariff offensive. The deal allows 49,000 Chinese EVs into Canada annually in exchange for China slashing canola tariffs from 84% to 15%, unlocking $3 billion in agricultural exports. The quota rises to 70,000 vehicles over five years, with half reserved for models under $35,000 CAD by 2030. Chinese automakers BYD and Chery have already met with Canadian officials about building production facilities on Canadian soil.

Updated Jan 31