Mercedes-Benz introduced on Monday that it has begun real-world testing of prototype solid-state battery cells developed by the U.S. firm Factorial. These cells had been put in in a Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan in late 2024 and have undergone laboratory checks since then. In response to a press launch from the automaker, the EQS is now prepared for street testing and has the potential to realize as much as 621 miles (1,000 km) of vary on an unconfirmed drive cycle with these solid-state cells.
The spectacular vary is primarily attributed to the upper power density of the solid-state cells. Mercedes claims that these cells present 25% extra power and vary whereas sustaining the identical weight and dimensions as the usual EQS battery pack. Moreover, the usage of passive battery cooling, just like that utilized within the Mercedes EQXX engineering idea, is anticipated to contribute to weight discount and improved effectivity.
Developed with insights from Mercedes’ Formulation 1 powertrain unit, the EQS take a look at car incorporates a new floating cell service for its battery pack. This modern design incorporates pneumatic actuators that alter for the enlargement and contraction of the cells throughout charging and discharging cycles.
The collaboration between Mercedes and Factorial started in 2021, when Factorial began supplying take a look at cells to Mercedes and Stellantis in 2022. By 2024, Factorial expressed confidence that its cells may improve the electrical car vary for Mercedes by as a lot as 80%. The Massachusetts-based battery agency has established what it claims is the biggest solid-state battery manufacturing facility within the U.S. close to Boston, aiming to ultimately produce as much as 200 gigawatt-hours of batteries yearly, though this output remains to be modest in comparison with standard battery vegetation.
Trying forward, Mercedes plans to proceed each laboratory and street testing over the approaching months, which can result in a dedication to utilizing solid-state cells in manufacturing automobiles. If commercialized, the automaker can also be creating a brand new micro-converter, together with further cooling system improvements, that would enable these solid-state cells to be built-in with different cell sorts in the identical electrical car battery pack.
Source link
