Stellantis and Factorial Energy have achieved a significant milestone in the world of electric vehicle technology by successfully validating automotive-grade semi-solid-state battery cells. This achievement marks a crucial step forward in the journey towards commercializing this groundbreaking technology.
Factorial Energy, a Massachusetts-based battery startup, has been gaining attention in the industry after showcasing its solid-state battery technology in the Mercedes-Benz EQS for testing purposes. Now, with the collaboration of Stellantis, the company has taken a major leap forward in the development of semi-solid-state batteries.
Solid-state batteries have long been hailed as the future of EV technology due to their potential to offer greater range, faster charging speeds, lighter weight, and improved performance in extreme conditions compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The validation of a 77 amp-hour cell with an energy density of 375 watt hours per kilogram by Stellantis and Factorial demonstrates the significant advantages that these cells can bring to the market.
One of the key benefits of Factorial’s semi-solid-state batteries is their impressive charging capabilities. The cells can charge from 15% to 90% in just 18 minutes at room temperature, making them a promising solution for addressing the issue of charging infrastructure in the EV industry. Additionally, the cells support discharge rates of up to 4C, allowing for rapid and efficient energy transfer.
The collaboration between Stellantis and Factorial has also focused on enhancing the overall performance of the batteries. The cells have been designed to operate within a temperature range of -22°F to 113°F, ensuring reliable performance in varying weather conditions. This feature is particularly noteworthy as solid-state batteries are expected to maintain their energy levels more effectively than traditional lithium-ion batteries in extreme temperatures.
According to Siyu Huang, the CEO of Factorial Energy, the journey towards this achievement has been a challenging one. The partnership with Stellantis, which began in 2018, has involved rigorous testing and scaling up of operations to ensure the successful validation of the semi-solid-state battery cells. The collaboration has evolved from testing 20 Ah pouch cells to scaling up to 100 Ah cells, with the current 77 Ah cells marking a significant milestone in the development process.
Overall, the successful validation of semi-solid-state battery cells by Stellantis and Factorial Energy represents a major breakthrough in the EV industry. With the potential to revolutionize the way electric vehicles are powered, these advanced batteries have the capacity to transform the performance and efficiency of EVs, bringing us one step closer to a sustainable and electrified future.
Factorial, a company specializing in solid-state battery technology, recently shared insights into the challenges it faced during the development process. According to company spokesperson, Huang, the journey was long and arduous, marked by numerous obstacles such as scrap generation, material challenges, and production yield issues.
One of the significant milestones achieved by Factorial was the transition from producing 20 Ah cells to pioneering 100 Ah cells. Huang demonstrated the size difference between the two by showcasing sample pouch cells in her office, likening it to the contrast between an iPad and a full-size flatscreen TV. This advancement in cell size represents a significant leap forward in solid-state battery technology.
While Stellantis cells developed by Factorial are not all-solid-state (ASSB) units, they are polymer-based semi-solid-state cells designed to stabilize the anode, a critical component for charging. This interim solution could serve as a stepping stone towards the eventual adoption of ASSBs in the future.
It’s important to note that Factorial’s cells used in the Mercedes EQS and Dodge Charger Daytona demo vehicles differ in optimization. While the EQS cells prioritize range and efficiency, the Daytona cells focus more on performance, although the underlying chemistry remains the same.
In terms of weight savings, solid-state cells from Factorial have the potential to reduce up to 200 pounds at the pack level. Moreover, the structural benefits of solid-state cells, such as reduced cooling and thermal management requirements, could lead to savings ranging from 500 to 2,000 pounds at the vehicle level.
Apart from weight reduction, transitioning to solid-state cells can also yield cost savings. Huang mentioned that every pound of weight loss translates to approximately $5 in savings, a metric widely accepted in the industry. As solid-state battery technology progresses, companies could potentially save $2,500 to $10,000 per vehicle.
However, Huang acknowledged the current cost disparity between solid-state cells and conventional lithium-ion batteries. She emphasized that solid-state cells, particularly in their early stages of development, are significantly more expensive on a small scale. Factors such as production volume and technological advancements will play a crucial role in narrowing this cost gap.
Despite the challenges and costs associated with solid-state battery development, companies like Factorial are pushing the boundaries of innovation to create more efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions for the future of electric vehicles. With continued research and development, solid-state batteries could revolutionize the automotive industry, offering enhanced performance, range, and longevity.