Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis invest in Factorial to increase boost range of solid state cells by up to 50%
Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis are investing in Massachusetts-based solid-state battery maker Factorial Energy, becoming the latest in a series of automakers to support solid-state battery development.
Many solid-state battery companies have ramped up promising improvements in performance over the lithium-ion chemistry used in most current U.S. electric cars. Factorial promises a range improvement of up to 50% with its cells.
Solid-state batteries get their name from the solid electrolyte, as opposed to the liquid electrolyte used in lithium-ion batteries. Unlike most of its competitors, Factorial has explicitly stated in a press release that its battery chemistry is “compatible with conventional lithium-ion battery manufacturing environments”.
Factorial, which also recently received an investment from Hyundai, is still developing its technology. The company says it met the critical 40 amp hour standard for a solid-state cell operating at room temperature earlier this year, but promising lab results don’t automatically translate to a viable product. commercial competition.
Concept Jeep Wrangler Magneto
Several other automakers are pursuing solid-state cells. Ford and BMW invested in another solid-state technology company — Solid Power — earlier this year claiming that third-party safety tests showed their battery technology was Safer than current lithium-ion chemistry.
Ford’s plan with battery maker SK Innovation aims to use about 70% of equipment from lithium-ion cell production to scaling solid state cells. Meanwhile, BMW has set a target of 2025 for a solid-body prototype.
Volkswagen meanwhile has invest in QuantumScape, a relationship that dates back to 2012. VW says it will use solid-state batteries in limited form by 2025.
Nissan just started this week pointing to the year 2028 such as when it expects production-ready solid-state batteries — with a pilot plant to be operational as soon as fiscal 2024. Toyota also said that it plans to introduce solid-state batteries later in the decade. .
