Mercedes road tests longer range solid state batteries

Mercedes-Benz is making strides in battery technology by road testing solid state lithium metal batteries in collaboration with Factorial Energy. The Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) subsidiary and the Mercedes Benz Centre of Competence for Battery Systems have jointly designed and developed the innovative battery system. The testing phase involves fitting the solid-state battery pack into an EQS, an all-electric car from Mercedes Benz that was slightly modified for this purpose.

The 118kWh solid state pack is not only lighter than the existing lithium ion pack but also boasts a gravimetric energy density of up to 450 Wh/kg at the cell level. This advancement results in a remarkable 25% increase in range, allowing the vehicle to travel over 1000km on a single charge. The initial laboratory tests for the vehicle were conducted in Stuttgart towards the end of 2024 to pave the way for the road tests that commenced recently.

Factorial Energy, on the other hand, has launched its second generation sulfide all solid-state battery, garnering support from European car manufacturers who are backing US solid-state battery technology. Prologium, another key player in the field, has also provided insights into its solid-state battery technology as it gears up for production. These developments underscore the growing interest and investment in solid-state battery solutions within the automotive industry.

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement, expressed enthusiasm about the progress, stating, “Developing an automotive-scale solid-state battery underlines our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We’re therefore excited to announce that we’ve started road testing with a prototype vehicle equipped with this advanced technology. We will gain crucial insights into possible series integration of this cutting-edge battery technology.”

The FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) cells have made history by becoming the first lithium metal solid-state battery B sample shipment to a global OEM. Siyu Huang, CEO and Co-Founder of Factorial Energy, hailed this achievement as a significant milestone in electric mobility, emphasizing that solid-state battery technology has transitioned from the laboratory to real-world application, setting a new standard for the automotive industry.

In the coming months, Mercedes-Benz plans to conduct further tests on the solid-state battery to evaluate its performance in an electric vehicle through extensive laboratory and road tests. This ongoing research and development signify a pivotal moment in the advancement of electric vehicle technology, with solid-state batteries poised to revolutionize the industry and drive sustainable innovation forward.