【SMM New Energy News】Inner Mongolia Accelerates Scale Application of NEV Heavy Trucks

On June 5, 2026, Helios Horizon achieved the world’s first crewed fixed-wing flight powered by solid-state batteries. The test validated solid-state technology in real aviation conditions, showing a 60% energy density improvement (410 Wh/kg) and 15‑minute fast charging. While cost and certification remain challenges, the milestone recalibrates industry expectations and offers a clearer path forward for electric aviation.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Ministry of Commerce, together with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the National Energy Administration will organize and launch the 2026 NEV promotion campaign in rural areas. The notice proposes to further advance vehicle trade-in initiatives into rural areas. During the NEV promotion campaign, a trade-in section will be established, where publicity and promotion of subsidy policies will be carried out, and one-stop services such as old vehicle detection, assessment, and recycling, as well as assistance with subsidy application procedures, will be provided, to further enhance the visibility and coverage of preferential policies and facilitate rural consumers' participation in and enjoyment of the subsidies. All rural consumers who trade in for NEVs may apply for the vehicle trade-in subsidy in accordance with policy requirements, without restrictions on the number of subsidy qualifications.

SFA NEXEL announced on June 18 that it has signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with a cell manufacturer pursuing a battery production project in Europe. The two companies will review potential technology and business cooperation in electrode process equipment supply and next-generation battery process solutions.