Solid-state: Mercedes Benz fuels latest EV battery race

Gear up for the next stage of electric vehicle revolution. 

German automaker Mercedes-Benz is set to equip its next generation of models with groundbreaking all-solid-state battery technology, called Solstice, developed in partnership with Factorial Energy, a Massachusetts-based developer in solid-state battery technology.

The next-gen batteries boast a "breakthrough energy density" of up to 450 Wh/kg — a significant improvement over current technology.

This translates to more power packed into a smaller and lighter battery pack. Energy density is a crucial factor in EVs, determining range and performance.

Factorial also highlights the use of a novel dry cathode design, which streamlines production and potentially reduces costs.

Factorial Energy, founded in 2013, primarily serves the automotive industry, as well as the residential and commercial sectors. It was formerly known as Lionano and is based in Woburn, Massachusetts.

The company stated that this innovative technology promises a game-changer solution for EV offering several key advantages:

Extended range: Factorial claims their "breakthrough" batteries can boost an EV's driving range by up to 80 per cent compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. This translates to significantly less range anxiety for drivers and the potential for longer journeys on a single charge.

Faster charging: Solid-state batteries are expected to enable faster charging times, allowing drivers to spend less time plugged in and more time on the road.

Enhanced safety: The solid-state design eliminates the risk of fires associated with traditional lithium-ion batteries, offering a significant safety improvement for EVs.

Lighter weight: Solid-state batteries are typically lighter than their lithium-ion counterparts, contributing to a reduction in overall vehicle weight. This can lead to improved efficiency and performance.

Longer cycle life: Solid-state batteries may have a longer lifespan, meaning they can withstand more charge-discharge cycles before their performance degrades significantly.

Potential for lower costs: As production scales up, solid-state batteries could become more cost-effective than traditional lithium-ion batteries.

While the partners did not announce a specific launch, this collaboration between could mark a significant step forward for EV technology, paving the way for longer-range, faster-charging, and safer EVs.

Several companies are actively involved in the development of solid-state battery technology, with the goal of overcoming the limitations of traditional lithium-ion batteries. Some notable players include:

There are about 20 companies racing to develop solid-state batteries, with their own production timetables. Samsung's solid-state battery reportedly boasts an impressive energy density of 500 Wh/kg.

The company's pilot production line for these advanced batteries is now operational, marking a crucial step towards mass production in 2027. Initial samples have already been delivered to EV manufacturers.

The race for the best EV battery technology is a high-stakes, geopolitics-linked endavour. It is far from over. With multiple promising options vying for dominance, the ideal battery will offer a combination of high energy density, fast charging, long cycle life, safety, and affordability.

Energy density is the holy grail of batteries: More energy density also means packing a lot of energy. When a battery packs more energy in it, it has more energy to release if something goes wrong.

The liquid electrolytes found in lithium-ion batteries are highly volatile and can lead to combustion, posing a fire hazard. The safety features built into current batteries, limit how lightweight and compact they can be.

As research and development continue, further advancements in battery technology will be rolled out, leading to even more impressive range and efficiency. Whoever wins the race for EV battery supremacy will likely shape the future of transportation.