In the growing EV race, EV battery technology is also taking the front seats. Every automaker is running hard in the hating race of EV batteries. In this row Mercedes-Benz is another name added to it. It is now testing EVs with solid-state batteries on the road, with the approx. driving range over 600 miles.
For conceptualize its new batter tech, Mercedes is working with US-based Factorial Energy promising more driving range, faster charging, and efficiency. However the Factorial has already delivered its first solid-state battery cells based on its propriety FEST last summer.
In September, they already revealed the more advanced all-solid-state Solstice battery, to power Mercedes’ next-gen electric models. With a sulfide-based solid electrolyte, the battery is safer and more efficient.
Autocar said, Mercedes is already testing EVs with solid-state battery tech on the road. The test are taking place in the UK using an EQS prototype equipped with the new batteries.
Factorial said the new Solstice battery is expected to provide 80% more driving range than current lithium-ion batteries with a “breakthrough” energy density of 450Wh/kg.
While full specifications are still pending, Mercedes has stated that the EQS’s 12-module battery housing allows for flexible configurations. The automaker anticipates the new battery will boost the driving range by approximately 25%. Given that the current EQS 450+ offers up to 511 miles on the WLTP cycle, this upgrade could push the range beyond 620 miles.
Factorial aims to unlock over 600 miles of driving range with 40% weight savings compared to conventional LI-ion batteries. It also says Solstice is 33% smaller than a current 90 kWh battery at 580lbs.
In December, Factorial reached a significant milestone as its Solstice all-solid-state battery cells achieved a 40 Ah capacity. The company is collaborating with leading automakers like Hyundai and Stellantis to push solid-state battery technology forward, with plans to bring these advanced batteries to market by 2030.
