600-mile range: Mercedes-backed firm’s solid-state EV battery hits 40Ah energy density

Factorial Energy, a company working on all-solid-state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), has scaled its initial Solstice battery cells to a capacity of 40Ah, which signifies a vital step towards the commercialization of this technology.

Solstice, introduced in September in partnership with Mercedes-Benz, represents a shift in battery technology.

By utilizing a solid electrolyte in place of the liquid or gel electrolytes found in lithium-ion batteries, Solstice surpasses the limitations of current technology.

It offers an energy density of up to 450 Wh/kg. This constitutes an increase compared to lithium-ion batteries, creating the possibility of EVs with driving ranges exceeding 600 miles on one charge.

“Breakthrough solid-state battery performance is only relevant if it can be scaled to a size that is viable for commercial use,” stated Siyu Huang, CEO of Factorial Energy.

“At 40Ah capacity, our all-solid-state, Solstice cells demonstrate the technical maturity, process validation, and scalability required for commercial applications.”

100% dry cathode coating

Factorial’s all-solid-state batteries utilize a 100% dry cathode coating process, an approach that removes the need for solvents commonly used in battery manufacturing.

These solvents, often carcinogenic, pose risks to human health and the environment, requiring recycling procedures. By eliminating these solvents, Factorial’s dry coating process enhances safety and reduces the environmental impact of battery production.

In addition, the design of the all-solid-state battery removes the need for the formation process, a step in lithium-ion battery manufacturing where the battery is charged and discharged many times to stabilize its performance.

“Factorial’s use of the dry coating and all-solid-state chemistry innovations together lower operating costs, reduce energy consumption, and minimize battery production’s environmental impact,” asserted the company.

Besides, lifecycle testing has demonstrated the durability and reliability of Solstice batteries.

“Results from lifecycle testing demonstrate that smaller prototypes have already reached over 2,000 cycles,” highlighted the battery firm.

Factorial’s Solstice technology is also engineered to integrate with its FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) platform, a system designed to optimize battery performance and safety.

Race to all-solid-state battery

With its potential to unlock driving ranges, enhance safety, and promote environmental sustainability, Factorial’s Solstice technology is positioned to change the electric vehicle industry.

“Coupled with the long cycle life and high energy density, Factorial’s Solstice all-solid-state battery cell is poised to give advancements in safety, range, and cost that automakers are looking for,” concluded Alex Yu, CTO and co-founder of the company.

Notably, all-solid-state batteries are expected to improve the energy density, range, safety, and overall performance of EVs. Therefore, several leading companies are investing in them.

Recently, US-based QuantumScape scaled the production of the sample cells of its solid-state battery, the QSE-5, which comes with an energy density of 844 Wh/L and can reach a charge from 10% to 80% in 12 minutes.

China’s EV tech giants CATL and Huawei have also been in the headlines. CATL has announced its plans to start producing its all-solid-state battery by 2027.

Meanwhile, some reports suggest that Huawei has filed a new patent application for a sulfide-based solid electrolyte, a component used in lithium-ion batteries. With the latest development, Solstice aims to accelerate the widespread adoption of EVs.