GWM Is Investing in Solid-State Battery Technology — Here's What That Means for New Zealand Drivers
23 March, 2026
GWM has confirmed it is investing heavily in solid-state battery technology as part of a long-term commitment to electric vehicle development, with the brand’s leadership outlining a clear roadmap toward commercially viable solid-state cells within the next five years.
The announcement positions GWM as one of the most transparent players in an industry where bold battery claims have become common. Rather than setting unrealistic timelines, GWM chairman Jack Wei has acknowledged that solid-state technology still requires further development, cost reduction and manufacturing scale-up before it reaches customers at volume. The brand’s battery technology subsidiary Svolt has already developed a working prototype achieving energy density of 350 to 400 Wh/kg, a cell that also passed rigorous safety testing including sustained exposure to 200-degree temperatures.
A Dual-Track Approach to Electrification
While solid-state development continues, GWM is not standing still on its current technology. At CES 2026, the brand revealed an advanced liquid-solid battery for near-term deployment, offering strong energy density and fast-charging capability. It is a meaningful step forward that delivers genuine improvements for buyers today, while the longer-term programme builds in the background.
That approach reflects GWM’s broader philosophy: improving little by little every day. The brand continues to develop across petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains in parallel, ensuring customers have strong options at every stage of the electrification journey.
What This Means for New Zealand
For New Zealand drivers, GWM’s commitment to progress is already arriving in showrooms. The Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV is the latest example of that, bringing advanced plug-in hybrid technology to one of the brand’s most capable models. Powered by GWM’s Hi4-T system, it pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 120kW electric motor, producing a combined 300kW and 750Nm of torque. The theoretical electric-only range reaches up to 105km under NEDC conditions, with a combined range of up to 955km and 6kW Vehicle-to-Load capability for off-grid use.
The Tank 300 Hi4-T is available now in Lux and Ultra grades, from $63,990 plus on-road costs. Like every GWM sold in New Zealand, it comes backed by GWM Care: a 7-year unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, an 8-year unlimited kilometre battery warranty, and 7-year capped price servicing.
Solid-state batteries represent an exciting step forward for the industry, and GWM is committed to getting there. In the meantime, there is plenty available right now for Kiwi drivers looking to go with more.
