We’ve talked about Solid-State battery packs at GreenCars before, but so far, they have been in the experimental stage. Now, for the first time, a major automaker is putting a Solid-State vehicle on the road for testing and delivers 25 percent more range.
Mercedes-Benz recently released word that it has an all-electric EQS model on the road that is equipped with a solid-state battery. Mercedes is partnering with an American company called Factorial Energy to develop the new battery pack that it says will give you at least 22 percent more range than current lithium-ion batteries.
In other words, this EQS 450+ with the new solid-state technology is clocking an EPA estimated 527 miles of range compared with the EPA’s estimate of 339 miles of range using conventional lithium batteries.
Plus, the EQS with the solid-state battery pack is both lighter and more efficient. Mercedes says the solid-state-equipped EQS gives you anywhere from 25 to 40 percent more range with the same size and weight of current lithium-ion batteries.
How does it Work?
When talking about solid-state batteries, solid electrolyte is the key to success. It gives you more energy density and is far less likely to catch fire than lithium-ion batteries which use liquid electrolyte. Factorial’s “Solstice” all-solid-state batteries features a lithium-metal anode, storing more energy than traditional graphite anodes. The new batteries are quite a bit lighter than standard lithium-ion batteries being used today.
Factorial’s new battery also uses a “floating cell carrier” which means that when the battery charges, the cells expand, and when it discharges, they contract. Think of it as the “lungs” of your car. To better support this “breathing”, the battery uses pneumatic actuators that were developed for Mercedes Formula 1 racing.
The battery maker is working with other automakers to advance battery technology and is supplying Dodge with semi-solid-state batteries for its Charger Daytona EV muscle car.
Solid-State Batteries are Coming!
While you may have heard about solid-state batteries for EVs for several years now, this is a major advancement in real-world applications and Mercedes predicts it will have electric vehicles using solid-state batteries in production cars by the end of this decade.
Want to learn more about solid-state batteries and the future of EV technology?
- Solid-State Batteries: A Game Changer for Electric Cars – Discover how solid-state batteries are set to revolutionize EV performance and safety.
- Next-Gen EV Batteries Will Deliver 500-Mile Range – A look at the breakthrough battery tech that promises longer ranges and faster charging.
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS Road Test – See how the EQS is setting the standard for luxury electric vehicles.
Stay tuned for more updates on cutting-edge EV technology at GreenCars.com!
