Mercedes-Benz produces several electric vehicles, such as the EQS, which boast a remarkable all-electric range. But thanks to new technology developed in collaboration with Factorial, future models will be able to travel even greater distances. The innovation is called Solstice, a solid-state battery that is expected to achieve an energy density of 450Wh/kg.
We’re not just looking at a minor range increase. Factorial claims the battery – which features a dry cathode design – can boost range by as much as 80%. That’s remarkable, but the benefits don’t end there. The tech company claims it will “significantly” reduce vehicle weight while increasing efficiency. What’s more, the sulfide-based all-solid-state electrolyte system makes for safer operation, eliminating concerns associated with “flammable and volatile liquid electrolyte designs.”
Efficient, Safe, And Cost-Effective
Factorial is aiming for a safety rating of 2 from the European Council for Automotive R&D. The battery is expected to remain stable with an operating temperature of over 194 degrees Fahrenheit. This could mean the cooling system requirements could be reduced, further lowering cost and complexity.
Add CarBuzz to your Google News feed.
The novel dry coating process does away with the need for hazardous solvents and “energy-intensive steps” often used in the production of cathodes. The Solstice battery also eliminates the need for the formation process, which is the most energy-consuming stage of lithium-ion battery production. Factorial notes that this further reduces cost and environmental impact, making future electric vehicles even more productive.
“Solstice embodies our team’s technology leadership and the potential of solid-state batteries to address the most significant hurdles for electric vehicle adoption. 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.”
– Siyu Huang, Factorial CEO and Co-Founder
Solid State Tech Will Be Here Before 2030
Multiple automakers are working on solid-state battery technology, with Nissan aiming to implement the tech in production cars by 2028. Toyota has said its solid-state batteries will hit the market in 2027, but will only be used to power “several tens of thousands of vehicles,” suggesting they will be used for high-end sports cars, not mass-produced crossovers or SUVs – not yet.
Getting back to Mercedes, Chief Technology Officer Markus Schaefer told Reuters that Factorial’s solid-state batteries could provide a 40% energy density improvement compared to the automaker’s current batteries. In theory, this would allow the Three-pointed Star to reduce the size of battery packs, significantly reducing cost and weight without sacrificing range. Alternatively, Mercedes could offer long-distance EVs, besting the likes of the Lucid Air, which boasts a range as high as 512 miles.
Source:
Reuters
#NextGeneration #Mercedes #EVs #Battery #Tech #Tesla #Tremble
