Dodge Charger EV and Solid State Batteries
We’ve often talked about solid state batteries as “the next big thing” in electric cars. Instead of using liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries use, as you might guess, solid materials, and offer greater energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries. That means, that in a given package, they can offer more performance and range, or lighter weight, than the current crop of EV batteries.
Solid State Prototypes Coming in 2026
While solid state batteries are still not quite ready to make it into mass production, we’re about to see the first prototypes and demonstrator models hit the road: one of the first will be a fleet of all-new Dodge Charger Daytona EVs fitted with solid-state batteries from Massachusetts-based Factorial Inc.
In just over a year – or early 2026 – Dodge’s parent company Stellantis will launch a demonstration fleet of Charger Daytonas, the company’s high-performance electric coupe – powered by Factorial’s proprietary FEST solid-state batteries. The demo fleet will mark a key milestone in bringing solid-state batteries to market.
Factorial says its FEST cells offer an energy density of over 390 Wh (watt-hours) per kilogram, a significant increase over the lithium-ion cells found in EVs today. That makes it a great candidate for next-generation EVs, which will need to get lighter to become more efficient and deliver the range that customers expect from them.
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV
Stellantis selected the Charger Daytona because it’s built on the company’s latest “multi-energy” platform, called STLA Large, which is focused on high-volume electric vehicles, including high-performance cars. In addition to the Charger Daytona, the same component set will underpin new vehicles from Jeep, Dodge. Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati – up to two million vehicles annually.
A vehicle like the Charger Daytona, which offers up to 670 hp and can dash from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, is also a good candidate for solid-state power, as its twin electric motors and “fratzonic” simulated exhaust sound will suck a lot of juice. Delivering the same or more power as a supercharged V8, the Charger Daytona offers instantaneous torque along with zero tailpipe emissions, with all-wheel drive for incredible tracation and cornering performance.
It remains to be seen whether the Charger Daytonas fitted with Fractorial’s solid-state batteries will retain the same excellent high-speed charging capability as the standard Dodge EVs, which can charge at up to 350 kW on a compatible charger, and go from 20 to 80 percent charge in just over 27 minutes.
Who is Factorial?
“This demonstration fleet is an important milestone in our partnership with Factorial," said Ned Curic, Stellantis’ head engineer. “By integrating Factorial’s innovative battery solution into the STLA Large platform, we are validating its potential to enhance our electric vehicle lineup, ensuring customers benefit from improved performance, longer driving ranges and faster charging times in the coming years.”
Said Siyu Huang, Factorial’s CEO and co-founder: “We are honored to be part of this journey with Stellantis to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. We believe solid-state technology can play a crucial role in enabling the next generation of EVs with improved performance and reduced costs.”
Conclusion: Safer and Higher Performance
Stellantis has been working together with Factorial since 2021. The company’s proprietary solid-state batteries use electrolyte innovations that are said to enable safe and reliable cell performance with high-capacity cathode and anode materials.
Factorial says their solid-state batteries are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing manufacturing processes, ensuring scalability and efficiency. The company is not only working with Stellantis; it also has agreements with Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Kia.
