Solid-state EV battery hits 40Ah energy density

  Major milestone achieved with Mercedes-backed firm’s solid-state EV battery hits 40Ah energy density          

Factorial is making swift progress on its all-solid-state EV batteries, which were introduced with Mercedes-Benz just a few months ago. Its first all-solid-state EV battery cells, promising to boost energy density by up to 80%, reached a significant milestone. Factorial announced that the first Solstice all-solid-state battery cells have been scaled to achieve a 40Ah capacity. By combining dry coating with all-solid-state chemistry, Factorial lowers operating expenses, reduces energy use during production, and minimizes the environmental footprint of its batteries. Factorial employs a 100% dry coating process in the production of its all-solid-state batteries. “At 40Ah capacity, our all-solid-state Solstice cells demonstrate the technical maturity, process validation, and scalability required for commercial applications,” Factorial CEO and Co-Founder Dr Siyu Huang said.

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. The company built the 40Ah Solstice cells at its development centre in Massachussets. Using custom equipment, Factorial established an in-house dry cathode coating process. Factorial said smaller prototypes have already reached over 2,000 cycles during lifecycle testing. The company said its 100% dry cathode can eliminate all hazardous solvents in cathode coating. It also eliminates the need for the formation process, cutting the most energy-intensive processes in lithium-ion battery manufacturing. 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.

“The dry electrode coating process is transforming battery manufacturing, introducing significant benefits, such as improved cell performance, faster lead times and lower costs,” Factorial’s CTO and Co-Founder, Alex Yu, explained. Factorial is paving the way for the process to be used for larger-sized cells, which “has been a significant challenge for the rest of the market,” Yu said. With a long cycle life and up to 80% higher energy density, Factorial’s Solstice all-solid-state cells for EV batteries are “poised to give advancements in safety, range, and cost that automakers are looking for,” according to Yu. “At 40Ah capacity, our all-solid-state, Solstice cells demonstrate the technical maturity, process validation and scalability required for commercial applications.” 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 introduced Solstice, which was developed with Mercedes-Benz in September. With a breakthrough energy density of up to 450 Wh/kg, Factorial claims the new battery tech can boost EV range by up to 80%. Just compare the major players in solid state batteries, based on their announced milestones and projected timelines for mass production. It would be cool to compare where they’re all at right now.

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. 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. The company aims to unlock over 600 miles driving range. Its tech is also a third smaller than traditional Li-ion batteries, enabling 40% weight savings. 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.

According to Mercedes chief tech officer Markus Shafer, the new tech is a “cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz’s strategy and commitment” to securing a leadership role in the EV battery space. Shafer added that Solstice will help the luxury brand “set new standards in range, cost and performance.” According to Oliver Fenzl, Mercedes’ communications manager for drivetrain tech, the company plans to begin testing EVs with solid-state batteries on the road in a near future. 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. Mercedes is confident it will be producing solid-state EV batteries at scale by 2030. Factorial’s all-solid-state EV batteries are expected to launch by the end of the decade.