Solid-state batteries promise to be the next big thing in the electric vehicle (EV) world, but issues with reliability have slowed down their mass-market adoption. Still, that’s not preventing both automakers and battery suppliers from continuing their research in the technology. As more and more carmakers release promises of having cracked the code to solid states, Mercedes-Benz is in the process of testing a rolling prototype that promises more than 600 miles of range.
Improvements In Energy Density, Range, Size, And Weight
Partnered with U.S.-based battery supplier Factorial Energy, Mercedes-Benz’s latest breakthrough in solid-state technology is apparently currently being cold-weather tested in an EQS full-size electric sedan test mule, Autocar reports.
The biggest highlight of this technology is how considerably more energy-dense it is compared to the current lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion) that dominate the EV industry. While Mercedes hasn’t yet released official specifications, it did confirm that its new solid-state battery increases range by 25-percent over a similarly sized lithium-ion battery of about the same weight. For reference, the current EQS 450 Plus luxury sedan is powered by a 118-kWh Li-ion battery good for 352 miles of range, as per EPA evaluations. The carmaker expects its prototype to exceed the 600-mile mark under the European WLTP range certification program.
Factorial Energy says that its new Soltice battery developed in partnership with the German automaker is capable of offering an impressive 450Wh/kg energy density and exceeds 106Ah in charging capacity. Furthermore, Factorial says that the Soltice battery is 40-percent lighter and 33-percent smaller than the average 90-kWh Li-ion battery currently on sale.
Mass-Production Of Solid-State Batteries By The End Of The Decade, Mercedes Says
Mercedes did not go into detail about the sort of reliability issues its solid-state battery is facing during its trial tests, which remain the main pain point in the technology’s research. If solid-state batteries still aren’t being mass-produced, it’s mostly due to the battery’s tendency to develop cracks while the battery expands and contracts during its charging cycle. This frustrating phenomenon leads to dendrites, which can cause short circuits within the battery. This is why, for now, lithium-ion batteries remain the most reliable, long-term solution to powering EVs.
It’s uncertain if both Mercedes and Factorial have found ways to mitigate the inherent reliability problem of solid-state batteries, but Mercedes is confident that it will be able to mass-produce them by the end of this decade. It’s all very fascinating to follow, and we’ll make sure to report back here once we know more about the latest breakthroughs in solid-state technology.
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