Mercedes Solid-State Battery May Boost EV Range by 80%

Mercedes-Benz has announced a significant milestone in its collaboration with U.S. battery technology company Factorial to develop a solid-state battery.

On Tuesday, Mercedes and Factorial jointly announced their work on a solid-state battery, which they expect to enter production by the end of the decade.

Known as Solstice, this battery boasts an energy density of 0.45 kWh per kilogram (approximately 2.2 pounds), nearly double that of current lithium-ion batteries. The companies stated that EVs using the Solstice battery could achieve up to 80% more range compared to today's average.

The Solstice battery features a sulfide-based solid electrolyte and a new cathode design that is simpler and cheaper to manufacture than traditional cathodes. Additionally, the battery is designed to maintain performance at temperatures above 194 degrees F, which its creators claim will mitigate the need for complex and heavy battery cooling systems in EVs.

Solid-state batteries are hailed as a revolutionary technology for EVs, as they present a lower risk of fire due to being less prone to overheating, and their high energy density can lead to lighter and more affordable EVs. While the technology itself is not new, the scaling up of production has proven more challenging than anticipated for automakers and battery producers.

Mercedes first announced plans to collaborate with Factorial on a solid-state battery in 2021 and subsequently led a $200 million investment round the following year. Hyundai is another major automaker that has invested in Factorial.

Furthermore, Mercedes has invested in Taiwanese solid-state battery company ProLogium and is exploring high-silicon anodes as an alternative solution to enhance EV range, according to Reuters.