Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, is making strides in the electric vehicle market by incorporating Factorial’s quasi-solid-state batteries into the Dodge Charger Daytona EV. This innovative move is set to revolutionize the industry, with a demonstration fleet of these electric muscle cars expected to hit the streets by 2026.
Factorial’s quasi-solid-state batteries offer a range of benefits, including being lighter and more energy-dense than conventional liquid anode cells. The energy density of these batteries exceeds 390 watt-hours/kilogram, far surpassing the 200 to 300 Wh/kg offered by current lithium-ion cells. This advancement promises improved performance, longer driving ranges, and faster charging times for electric vehicles.
Stellantis, along with Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai Motor Group, has invested heavily in Factorial’s solid-state battery technology. The startup’s Factorial Electrolyte System Technology (FEST) can be seamlessly integrated into existing lithium-ion cell factories, reducing upfront manufacturing costs. Factorial already operates the largest solid-state battery line in the United States, located in Methuen, Massachusetts. Once fully operational, this facility will produce 200 megawatt-hours of batteries annually.
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV will be built on the STLA Large platform, which will also be used by Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, and Maserati. This platform’s versatility opens up the possibility of solid-state battery-powered EVs from other brands in the near future. The main obstacle to widespread adoption of solid-state batteries has been the slow production ramp-up. Factorial’s approach allows for the upgrading of existing lithium-ion cell factories, streamlining the process and accelerating the transition to solid-state technology.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve towards electric mobility, the integration of solid-state batteries represents a significant step forward. The potential for cheaper, longer-range, and faster-charging EVs has been a long-standing promise, and with initiatives like Stellantis’ collaboration with Factorial, this vision is becoming a reality. Stay tuned for more updates on the electrifying future of transportation.