Mercedes-Benz is on the cusp of a major breakthrough in electric vehicle battery technology. The German automaker is currently testing EVs equipped with solid-state batteries, which are said to offer over 600 miles of range. This development has been hailed as the “holy grail” of EV battery tech and could revolutionize the industry in the coming years.
Earlier this year, Mercedes achieved a significant milestone by putting the first car powered by a lithium-metal solid-state battery on the road for testing. The company has been conducting trials with prototypes in the UK since February, using a modified EQS prototype fitted with the new batteries. These batteries were developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 supplier unit, Mercedes AMG High-Performance Powertrains (HPP).
Mercedes has partnered with US-based Factorial Energy to bring this cutting-edge battery technology to market. The all-solid-state Solstice battery, developed by Factorial and Mercedes, promises a 25% improvement in range and will power the next generation of Mercedes electric vehicles.
Markus Schäfer, the head of development at Mercedes, has indicated that the first Mercedes EVs equipped with solid-state batteries could hit the market as early as 2030. During an event in Copenhagen, Schäfer stated, “We expect to bring the technology into series production before the end of the year.” In addition to providing longer driving range, Mercedes believes that the new batteries can significantly reduce costs by introducing a new chemistry based on a sulfide-based solid electrolyte, which is safer and more efficient.
The new battery technology from Mercedes is expected to extend driving range by around 25%, which could translate to over 620 miles of range for models like the Mercedes EQS 450+. Factorial is also collaborating with other leading OEMs, such as Hyundai and Stellantis, to introduce solid-state EV batteries to the market by 2030.
The automotive industry as a whole is rapidly advancing towards solid-state batteries, with companies like Volkswagen, BMW, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda all making significant strides in this direction. Chinese automakers like BYD and CATL are also leading the charge in developing new EV batteries, including solid-state technology. Recently, MG’s brand manager announced that the new MG4 will be the first mass-market EV globally to be equipped with semi-solid-state batteries.
With the promise of extended range, reduced costs, and increased efficiency, solid-state batteries are set to revolutionize the electric vehicle market in the near future. Mercedes-Benz’s foray into this technology is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry.
