According to media reports, Mercedes-Benz is currently testing electric vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries on public roads, a technology that could enable over 600 miles (approximately 960 km) of range for EVs.
Reports indicate that Mercedes has already begun road testing of solid-state battery-powered electric vehicles. The company is conducting these tests in the UK, using an EQS prototype fitted with solid-state battery technology.
Mercedes estimates that the new battery could increase vehicle range by approximately 25%. Currently, the EQS 450+ has a WLTP-rated range of 511 miles (approximately 817 km), meaning that with the new battery, its range could exceed 620 miles (approximately 977 km).
Breakthrough in Battery Performance
Mercedes Chief Technology Officer Markus Schäfer stated that the new Solstice battery will "set new standards" in terms of range, cost, and performance. The company expects to achieve mass production of solid-state batteries by the late 2030s.
Mercedes is collaborating with U.S.-based Factorial Energy to advance solid-state battery technology, which promises longer range, faster charging speeds, and higher energy efficiency for EVs.
Last summer, Factorial delivered its first solid-state battery cells using its proprietary FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology).
In September last year, Mercedes and Factorial announced plans to jointly develop the next-generation Solstice solid-state battery. The two companies are actively co-developing this new battery, aiming to integrate it into Mercedes' next-generation electric vehicles. The Solstice battery will utilize a sulfide-based solid electrolyte, making it safer and more efficient.
Revolutionary Energy Density and Weight Reduction
Factorial claims that the new Solstice battery achieves a groundbreaking energy density of 450 Wh/kg, which is expected to increase range by 80% compared to current lithium-ion batteries.
The company's goal with the Solstice battery is to enable over 600 miles of range while reducing battery weight by 40% compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Factorial states that the Solstice battery is 33% smaller in volume than a current 90 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery, with a total weight of only 580 lbs (approximately 263 kg).
