Factorial solid-state batteries: a new stage for Stellantis
Solid-state batteries have the potential to fundamentally change the rules of the game for electric vehicles. Almost every major automaker has a team working on their implementation into mass production. Stellantis is no exception — the company has just begun testing advanced solid-state cells in what is arguably its least popular electric vehicle.
In collaboration with American battery manufacturer Factorial, Stellantis has equipped the Dodge Charger Daytona with new solid-state cells. According to the company, these cells were integrated into the battery pack using a “new mechanical architecture” developed in-house.
Specifications and testing
It is currently unknown what capacity the battery pack has in this Charger Daytona prototype or what range it provides. However, it is known that Factorial’s cells have an energy density of up to 375 Wh/kg and can charge from 15% to 90% in just 18 minutes. At the same time, they operate efficiently in a temperature range from -30°C to 45°C.
Stellantis will launch a road testing program for the solid-state battery pack to verify its reliability, range, and charging speed. This is necessary for the technology to be scalable and potentially replace LFP and NMC batteries.
Mercedes uses the same technology
Although Factorial may not be widely known, the company has financial backing from Mercedes, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis. Last year, a Mercedes-Benz EQS prototype covered 1,205 km on a Factorial solid-state battery. Impressively, after completing the run, the vehicle had approximately 137 km of range remaining, meaning it could have gone even further.
“We are deeply honored to collaborate with Stellantis, one of the world’s largest mass-market automakers, on this development vehicle on the STLA Large platform. What we have created together — from cell chemistry to pack architecture for real-world road testing — is precisely the deep, comprehensive approach that solid-state batteries have always needed,” stated Factorial CEO Siyu Huang.
Stellantis has not announced when it plans to begin production and sales of vehicles with solid-state batteries, but this will likely happen no sooner than in a few years.
This move by Stellantis demonstrates that competition in the solid-state battery field is intensifying. Although the Dodge Charger Daytona was chosen for testing, which may be surprising due to its specific market status, the technology itself has enormous potential. The successful implementation of such batteries will significantly increase the range of electric vehicles, reduce charging time, and improve safety, which could be a key factor for the mass transition to electric power. The support of giants like Mercedes and Hyundai indicates a high level of confidence in Factorial’s technology, and the EQS test results confirm its real-world potential.