Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Factorial Power to develop a prototype EQS that includes a solid-state battery, which has already commenced street testing. Stable-state batteries provide the potential for larger vary, faster charging instances, and improved hearth security, all whereas sustaining or lowering weight when in comparison with conventional lithium-ion batteries. The EQS is projected to attain a variety of 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) on the WLTP cycle.
Stable-state batteries have been in improvement for fairly a while, usually deemed to be within the experimental stage. Nonetheless, real-world functions at the moment are turning into extra prevalent, together with this modern collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and American battery startup Factorial Power. The businesses declare that is the “world’s first solid-state battery automobile from a world OEM,” and the automobile is at the moment present process testing on the street.
The brand new EQS is anticipated to ship a variety of 620 miles, an enchancment of over 25% in comparison with the WLTP vary of the present EQS 450+ within the U.Okay., which provides roughly 481 miles. This automobile is provided with a usable battery capability of 118 kilowatt-hours.
Contemplating that WLTP estimates are typically round 22% increased than EPA figures, the EQS would nonetheless present roughly 527 miles of vary based on EPA requirements, making it aggressive with the present Lucid Air, which at the moment makes use of a standard NMC battery pack.
The solid-state battery expertise used within the EQS additionally has benefits in weight and effectivity. Mercedes-Benz claims that this new battery configuration can ship 25% extra vary with out rising dimension or weight in comparison with current lithium-ion choices, with potential will increase of as much as 40%.
Conventional lithium-ion batteries make the most of a liquid electrolyte to move electrons throughout cost cycles, whereas solid-state batteries make use of a stable electrolyte. This shift permits for larger power density in addition to enhanced hearth security and important weight reductions. Semi-solid-state batteries, which use a gel-like electrolyte, function a hybrid resolution between conventional liquid electrolytes and true solid-state batteries. A number of electrical autos in China, such because the Nio ET7 and IM L6, already function this expertise, benefiting from present manufacturing processes whereas providing a faster path to scalability.
Based on a current report from Autocar, the battery being examined within the EQS is a preliminary step towards integrating Factorial’s extra superior “Solstice” all-solid-state battery (ASSB). InsideEVs has contacted Factorial for clarification on whether or not the preliminary testing entails a semi-solid-state battery or the all-solid-state choice.
The EQS battery additionally integrates a lithium-metal anode, which may retailer extra power in the identical area in comparison with conventional graphite anodes. Nonetheless, researchers have raised considerations about dendrite formation, small metallic projections that would doubtlessly trigger brief circuits in batteries, posing a major problem for solid-state battery improvement. Mercedes and Factorial seem to have made progress on this space, as they proceed to advance their design.
The solid-state battery within the EQS includes a “floating cell service” that accommodates the enlargement and contraction of supplies throughout charging and discharging. This method is supported by pneumatic actuators, which have been developed by Mercedes-Benz’s Method 1 engineers at their motorsport headquarters in Brixworth, U.Okay.
Moreover, Factorial is collaborating with Stellantis and Hyundai Motor Group to create solid-state cells. An illustration fleet of the Dodge Charger Daytona EV, geared up with Factorial’s semi-solid-state battery, is anticipated to start out street testing subsequent yr. Factorial’s CEO, Siyu Huang, has expressed confidence in reaching mass manufacturing of solid-state batteries by the tip of the last decade.
Whereas particulars relating to the length of the road-testing part and the long run price of the eventual manufacturing mannequin stay unsure, the primary business autos with this modern expertise are anticipated to be available on the market earlier than the last decade concludes. This marks a major development as solid-state expertise transitions from the laboratory to the autos we could in the future drive.
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