US-based solid-state battery developer Factorial has introduced a new all-solid-state battery that has the potential to revolutionize the safety, performance, and sustainability of the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs).
Developed in partnership with Mercedes-Benz, Factorial’s new all-solid-state battery Solstice achieves a high energy density that can extend EV range up to 80% and unlocks a more sustainable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective battery production process.
Solstice is expected to be available to customers in the electric mobility and consumer electronics industries by the end of the decade.
450Wh/kg energy density
Solstice is set to achieve a breakthrough energy density of up to 450-watt hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), nearly double that of Tesla’s 4680 nickel cobalt manganese cells installed on the Model Y, which has an estimated energy density of about 272-296 Wh/kg.
The battery incorporates a novel dry cathode design for more efficient and sustainable production.
Solstice compliments Factorial’s industry-leading FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) for automotive and other electric mobility applications while expanding Factorial’s total addressable market to include consumer electronics.
The battery was developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz as part of their ongoing partnership, demonstrating a shared commitment to continuous innovation.
Extend EV range up to 80%
Solstice enables industry-leading performance and safety for electric mobility, and Factorial expects OEMs to introduce the technology before the end of the decade.
Solstice’s high energy density can extend the EV range to 80% while significantly reducing vehicle weight and increasing vehicle efficiency.
Its sulfide-based all-solid-state electrolyte system addresses safety concerns associated with more flammable and volatile liquid electrolyte designs. It targets an EUCAR safety rating of 2 and maintains stability at operating temperatures over 90°C.
This also has the potential to reduce the cooling system requirements within the battery pack, lowering the overall vehicle cost.
“Solstice embodies our team’s technology leadership and the potential of solid-state batteries to address the most significant hurdles for electric vehicle adoption,” said Siyu Huang, CEO and Co-Founder of Factorial.
“Solstice not only will enhance the range and performance of electric vehicles but also aligns with our vision for a more sustainable future. We’re grateful to have Mercedes -Benz’s continued support, which underscores our ability to meet the needs of global automakers now and in the future.”
Sustainable battery production
Solstice is poised to revolutionize battery manufacturing by significantly enhancing sustainability.
Solstice eliminates the need for hazardous solvents and energy-intensive steps commonly used in traditional cathode production through a novel dry coating process.
The technology also bypasses the formation process, the most energy-consuming stage of lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
By combining these innovations, Solstice reduces operating costs, energy consumption, and environmental impact, paving the way for a more sustainable future for battery production.
“The Solstice solid-state battery technology represents another landmark milestone in our partnership with Factorial, which is a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz’s strategy and commitment to leading the charge in battery development,” said Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer and Member of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
“Solstice offers further improvements in energy density and safety features that will help us develop electric vehicles that set new standards in range, cost, and performance.”
This announcement follows Factorial’s delivery of B-samples of its solid-state battery cells utilizing its FEST platform to Mercedes -Benz. This was an instrumental step in the development and deployment of Factorial’s solid-state batteries utilizing FEST, paving the way for Solstice and the next generation of EVs.
Mercedes-Benz entered into a joint development agreement with Factorial in 2021 and led a $200 million investment round for Factorial in 2022.
Local News
Comments / 0