EQS Sedan

Segment
Sedan

It's no secret that solid-state batteries will revolutionize the electric car industry, enabling significantly faster charging times, improved safety, and longer ranges. However, solid-state batteries are more complicated and expensive to develop than lithium-ion batteries, which is why they aren't in mass production yet.

To speed up the development of solid-state batteries, Hyundai and Kia recently teamed up with Factorial Energy, a solid-state battery cell developer based in the US. Nissan also announced this week it will start selling cars with solid-state batteries by 2028. Now, Mercedes and Stellantis are joining forces with Factorial Energy too, with the aim of kickstarting the solid-state battery revolution as part of a "double-digit million dollar" investment.

"By accelerating our Mercedes-Benz strategy towards 'Electric Only', we have set the course for a fully electric future," says Member of the Board of Management, Markus Schafer. "We will also play a leading role in the field of battery technology. With Factorial as our new partner, we are taking research and development in the field of promising solid-state batteries to the next level. To this end, we are investing a high double-digit million dollar amount in Factorial.

"With this cooperation, we combine Mercedes-Benz's expertise in battery development and vehicle integration with the comprehensive know-how of our partner Factorial in the field of solid-state batteries. We share the common vision of CO2 neutrality. The continuous development of innovative battery technologies will make electric mobility even more attractive for our customers."

Mercedes will start testing prototype solid-state battery cells next year before implementing the technology in a "limited number of vehicles as part of a small series" by 2026. Stellantis also aims to introduce solid-state battery technology within the next five years.

Whereas the Mercedes EQS offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 350 miles, models with Factorial Energy's revolutionary solid-state batteries will offer up to 50% longer ranges per charge compared to lithium-ion battery technology. The key difference is that solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes that offer double the energy density, resulting in longer ranges and shorter charging times. The sooner this tech arrives, the better for everyone.