The most coveted technology in electric vehicle batteries — solid-state batteries — may be coming sooner than expected. Mercedes-Benz has already put prototypes of electric vehicles with such batteries on the road that can travel more than 1,000 km on a single charge.
The company has already begun road testing its first car with a lithium-metal solid-state battery. The tests are being conducted in the UK with a modified version of the EQS electric sedan. The battery was developed in collaboration with the Mercedes AMG High-Performance Powertrains division, which supplies powertrains for Formula 1 cars.
To bring the technology into mass production, Mercedes-Benz has partnered with the American company Factorial Energy. Last September, they unveiled an all-solid-state battery called Solstice, which promises to increase range by 25% compared to current lithium-ion batteries.
According to Mercedes development director Markus Schaefer, the first series-production electric cars with solid-state batteries could appear by 2030.
In addition to the increased range, Mercedes-Benz believes the new batteries will significantly reduce the cost of electric vehicles. The company and Factorial are using a solid sulfide-based electrolyte, which should be safer and more efficient.
For example, for the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+, which has an official range of up to 822 km, the new batteries mean the ability to travel over 1,000 km without recharging.
Factorial is also working with other major automakers, including Hyundai and Stellantis. Volkswagen, BMW, Toyota, Nissan and Honda are also developing their own technologies. Market leaders such as BYD and CATL are already demonstrating technologies close to mass production.