Mercedes-Benz has revealed that it has begun testing a 100% electric vehicle equipped with solid-state lithium batteries that will be used in its future electric models. This technology is expected to enable a range of up to 1,000 kilometers.
The program is led by the subsidiary High Performance Powertrains, which specializes in technologies related to Formula 1, in partnership with the competence center for battery systems of the German group.
The solid-state battery prototype with cells from Factorial has been integrated into a Mercedes-Benz EQS, which required only minor modifications to accommodate the solid-state battery and the necessary accessories to operate it.
The solid-state battery is expected to offer up to 25% more electric range compared to a conventional battery of the same weight and size typically used in the Mercedes-Benz EQS.
It is worth noting that solid-state batteries are a promising technology in electric mobility. They utilize a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid, which increases the safety of the cell and allows for the use of new anodes like metallic lithium, significantly surpassing conventional lithium-ion cells.
Additionally, solid-state technology has the potential to increase the gravimetric energy density for vehicle batteries to up to 450 Wh/kg at the cell level, thereby enhancing driving range.
According to Mercedes, the solid-state battery that powers the prototype based on the EQS allows for up to 25% more range compared to the equivalent standard battery of the same weight and size that equips the fully electric model. More weight and energy efficiency are achieved through passive cooling of the battery.
In the coming months, Mercedes-Benz will continue testing the solid-state battery and its overall performance in an electric vehicle, both in laboratory tests and on the road.
“Developing a solid-state battery at scale reinforces our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Therefore, we are excited to announce that we have begun road testing with a prototype vehicle equipped with this advanced technology. We will obtain crucial data on the potential series integration of this cutting-edge battery technology.”, said Markus Schäfer, member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG.
