A groundbreaking achievement in the world of electric vehicles has recently been achieved by a lightly modified Mercedes-Benz EQS electric sedan. This innovative vehicle managed to cover a staggering 749 miles on a single charge, traveling from Stuttgart in Germany to Malmo in Sweden. What sets this feat apart is that the EQS still had an impressive 85 miles of range left in the battery at the end of the journey, showcasing the remarkable capabilities of Factorial’s solid-state batteries.
Solid-state batteries are on the brink of revolutionizing the EV industry, with Mercedes-Benz collaborating with Factorial Energy to expedite the introduction of these advanced battery packs to the market. The EQS prototype used in the long-distance test was powered by Factorial’s solid-state battery, demonstrating the potential for electric cars to eliminate the need for frequent charging stops during extended trips.
The prototype EQS sedan completed the challenging journey on highways, specifically on the A7 and E20 routes through Germany and Denmark to Sweden. Despite the typically less efficient nature of EVs at highway speeds, the EQS managed to achieve this impressive range without the need for intermediate charging. The entire route was meticulously planned using Mercedes-Benz’s Electric Intelligence navigation system, taking into account factors such as topography, traffic conditions, ambient temperature, and energy requirements for heating and cooling.
Compared to the standard liquid electrolyte battery pack of the EQS, the prototype solid-state battery utilized in the validation test boasted a 25% higher energy capacity while maintaining similar weight and physical dimensions. Notably, the solid-state battery featured pneumatic actuators that respond to changes in cell volume during charging and discharging, ensuring optimal cell support and prolonging battery life.
Factorial Energy is developing two types of solid-state batteries, with the FEST model being the closest to production. This battery configuration incorporates an ultrathin lithium-metal anode, a quasi-solid polymer electrolyte, and a high-capacity cathode, offering the advantage of easy integration into existing battery manufacturing facilities. The Solstice battery, on the other hand, utilizes a sulfide-based all-solid-state electrolyte material but requires new production lines for dry coating.
In conclusion, the successful validation test of the Mercedes-Benz EQS with Factorial’s solid-state battery highlights the immense potential of solid-state technology in enhancing the performance and range of electric vehicles. With production EVs equipped with solid-state batteries expected to hit the market by the end of the decade, the future of long-distance electric travel looks promising and sustainable.