Although solid-state batteries’ potential for use in electric cars is becoming a little dated, there is no denying that advancements are being made. For example, Stellantis will introduce a demonstration fleet of electric muscle vehicles, the Dodge Charger Daytona, that are equipped with Factorial’s quasi-solid-state cells, which are more energy-dense and lighter than standard liquid anode cells.
By 2026, the fleet will be on the road, but it’s unclear how many vehicles will be equipped with solid-state batteries, which are expected to be safer, have a longer driving range, and charge more quickly than traditional lithium-ion cells. Additionally, Stellantis did not specify when EVs with solid-state batteries will be available for purchase.
Stellantis has made hundreds of millions of dollars in investments in Factorial’s solid-state battery technology, together with Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai Motor Group. The business asserts that by integrating its own Factorial Electrolyte System Technology (FEST) into already-existing lithium-ion cell factories, initial production costs may be decreased. Located in the Boston suburb of Methuen, Massachusetts, the U.S.-based battery producer already boasts the largest solid-state battery line in the nation. It will produce 200 megawatt-hours of batteries annually once it is fully operational.
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The cells in the future Dodge Charger demonstration EVs have an energy density of more than 390 watt-hours/kg, which is higher than the 200 to 300 Wh/kg provided by liquid-anode lithium-ion cells that are already on the market.
“This demonstration fleet is an important milestone in our partnership with Factorial,” stated Ned Curic, Chief Technology and Engineering Officer of Stellantis. “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.”.
Since Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, and Maserati will all be using the same STLA Large platform as the Dodge Charger Daytona, solid-state battery-powered EVs from these companies may also be on the horizon. The laborious ramp-up in production has been identified as the primary obstacle to the widespread use of this sort of cell thus far. Solid-state cell factories typically have to be constructed from the ground up, but Factorial’s method allows liquid- or gel-based lithium-ion cell manufacturers to simply modify their manufacturing lines, which speeds up the process.
The promise of more affordable, longer-range, and faster-charging solid-state electric vehicles has been around for at least ten years; let’s just hope they move quickly enough.
