Mercedes-Benz presented new solid-state batteries for next-generation electric cars . The innovative batteries were developed together with the company Factorial. The American company claims that its technology will expand the range of electric vehicles, increase safety and reduce costs for automakers compared to what is on the market today.
Mercedes-Benz was one of several automakers, along with Hyundai and Stellantis, to invest $200 million in Factorial as early as 2022. For years, the company has been promoting its own FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) solid-state platform. Its solid-state battery cells, based on the FEST platform, have now been delivered to the Mercedes-Benz plants.
The company claims that the safer design will reduce the need for heavy cooling systems inside the battery. Thanks to the “revolutionary energy density“ of 450 Wh/kg, the new technology can increase the range of electric vehicles by up to 80% while reducing their weight.
Factorial aims to give future electric vehicles a range of over 1,100 km while reducing weight by 40% compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Series solid-state batteries for electric vehicles are expected to be introduced by the end of the decade.
According to Chief Technical Officer Markus Schafer, the new technology is "a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz's strategy and ambition" in the development of batteries for electric vehicles.
