Mercedes-Benz is the first global car manufacturer to integrate a solid-state battery into a series-production vehicle. This innovative technology not only promises an increased range, but also improved safety for electric vehicles.
Highlights
- First production vehicle with solid-state battery from Mercedes-Benz
- Range increased by around 25%
- Cooperation with US manufacturer Factorial Energy
- Series production planned before 2030
Introduction of the solid-state battery in the EQS model
Mercedes-Benz has installed the new solid-state battery for the first time in a sports saloon from the EQS series. The car manufacturer made this public in an official press release. Following extensive laboratory tests, the battery has now been tested in real road traffic. The innovative technology enables a range of around 1,000 kilometers per charge, which corresponds to an increase of around 25% compared to previous lithium-ion batteries. By way of comparison, the EQS 450+ with a 118 kWh battery achieves a range of around 814 kilometers. The new solid-state battery therefore offers a higher energy density with the same size and weight.
Cooperation with Factorial Energy
This solid-state battery was developed in cooperation with the US company Factorial Energy, which already has partnerships with Hyundai and Stellantis. The solid-state technology is characterized by the absence of liquid electrolytes, which increases safety and reduces the risk of fire. Siyu Huang, CEO and co-founder of Factorial Energy, described the integration of the solid-state battery into a production vehicle as a historic success for electromobility.
Outlook for series production
Mercedes-Benz has developed and patented a new type of floating cell carrier with pneumatic actuators for use with the solid-state battery. Although precise details on series production readiness are still pending, the car manufacturer is planning mass production of this technology before 2030. Further road tests are to be carried out in the coming months to evaluate the performance and reliability of the solid-state battery under real-life conditions.
The integration of the solid-state battery into a production vehicle marks a significant step in the further development of electromobility. With increased range and improved safety, this technology could further increase the acceptance of electric vehicles and make an important contribution to sustainable mobility.
