Mercedes and Factorial co-developed a solid-state EV battery with 80% range gains

Mercedes-Benz and Factorial introduce a new solid-state battery to power the German automaker's next-generation EVs. Mercedes, Hyundai, and Stellantis all chipped in Factorial's $200 million fundraiser in 2022, which has secured Mercedes a front-row seat during the solid-state revolution.

The new EV battery is based on the company's FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) platform, a proprietary technology for solid-state cells. The first pre-production samples were delivered to Mercedes this summer.

The new design aims to improve range by 80%, reduce weight by 40% and size by 33% compared to the currently available battery tech. It's also a lot safer too. The electrolytes can operate just as well at over 90°C, which might eliminate the need for cooling systems.

The new battery pack promises 450 Wh/kg energy density, which is well over the 300 Wh/kg density promised by most other solid-state battery manufacturers. In addition to all the efficiency improvements, Mercedes-Benz believes it can deliver an EV that can go over 600 miles on a single charge.

Solid-state batteries have become the buzzword lately. Various Chinese companies have already introduces their concepts and MG is expected to unveil its tech in 2025. Even Toyota announced its plans to develop and produce solid-state batteries and Factorial's tech seems quite competitive.

But don't hold your breath, as Mercedes and Factorial expect the first models to hit the market by the end of this decade.

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