After many years, the partnership between Mercedes-Benz and battery manufacturer Factorial is finally showing progress towards development. Solid-state battery technology possible for electric vehicles
Factorial announced on Tuesday that its Solstice solid-state battery, developed in collaboration with Mercedes, could Increase EV range by up to 80% through greater energy density. This allows for more energy to be stored in a given volume, creating smaller battery packs, while also reducing vehicle weight and increasing efficiency, Factorial notes.
Solid State Cell Factor
The boost range is even larger than the 50% Factorial discussed when it started. provide test cells for car manufacturers in 2022. The following year, Massachusetts-based Factorial opened what it bills as largest solid-state EV battery factory in the US to date in the Boston suburbs. Factorial said at the time that the $50 million facility—a tiny facility compared to most “gigascale” battery factories today—would eventually produce up to 200 megawatt-hours of batteries per year on its assembly line.
According to Factorial, the Solstice cell’s sulfide-based solid electrolyte can also remain stable at temperatures above 194 degrees Fahrenheit, reducing the need for cooling systems. Like other solid-state battery companies, Factorial also claims a lower risk of fire than liquid electrolytes.
Factorial Energy 40 Ampere-Hour Solid State Battery
Mercedes has signed a joint battery development agreement with Factorial in 2021 and is co-leading a $200 million funding round for the company together with Stellantis to be completed in 2022 (Hyundai has also invested in Factorial).
Other automakers are also funding solid-state battery technology, either through in-house development programs or partnerships with startups. Volkswagen has long backed QuantumScape, while Nissan and Toyota have developed solid-state battery cells themselves. Toyota recently confirmed plans to start solid state battery production in 2026 or shortly thereafter, when it attempts to Tenfold increase in EV output.
