Factorial Energy and Mercedes-Benz present solid-state battery
The company is talking about an energy density of up to 450Wh/kg for its solid-state battery called Solstice. This should increase the range of electric vehicles by up to 80 per cent, while at the same time ‘significantly reducing’ the vehicle weight and increasing vehicle efficiency, according to a press release. Mercedes is described by Factorial as a ‘key customer’.
One thing is clear: the solid-state battery features a new type of dry cathode design for more efficient and sustainable production. As is well known, many battery specialists are currently working on dry coating processes to simplify production. Factorial states that by integrating dry cathodes, Solstice could reduce operating costs, energy consumption and the environmental impact of production.
Essentially, Solstice complements Factorial’s FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) platform for automotive and other e-mobility applications. But that’s not all: Factorial also wants to position the new solid-state battery technology in the consumer electronics sector.
The developers describe a sulphide-based solid electrolyte as a key feature of Solstice, which is intended to ensure that batteries remain stable even at operating temperatures of over 90 °C. This is said to have the potential to reduce the requirements of the cooling system within the battery pack. This has the potential to reduce the demands on the cooling system within the battery pack, thereby lowering the overall cost of the vehicle.
“Solstice embodies our team’s technology leadership and the potential of solid-state batteries to address the most significant hurdles for electric vehicle adoption,” said Siyu Huang, CEO and co-founder of Factorial. “Solstice not only will enhance the range and performance of electric vehicles but also aligns with our vision for a more sustainable future. We’re grateful to have Mercedes-Benz’s continued support, which underscores our ability to meet the needs of global automakers now and in the future.”
Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer and Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, added: “The Solstice solid-state battery technology represents another landmark milestone in our partnership with Factorial, which is a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz’s strategy and commitment to leading the charge in battery development. Solstice offers further improvements in energy density and safety features that will help us develop electric vehicles that set new standards in range, cost, and performance.”
The announcement follows the delivery of B-samples of the solid-state battery cells to Mercedes-Benz. The automotive group entered into a joint development agreement with Factorial in 2021 and led an investment round totalling USD 200 million for Factorial in 2022. Stellantis also participated in the round at the time. There is also a development agreement with Hyundai-Kia.
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