- Automotive OEM Stellantis, along with its ongoing partnership with solid state batteries manufacturer, Factorial Energy, is set to put Factorial’s own solid state EV batteries into a demonstration fleet of vehicles.
- With the batteries set to enter the demonstration fleet from 2026, Stellantis is getting a step closer to incorporating the technology into future production-going EVs.
- The news comes as multiple automotive OEMs gear up to install solid state batteries in EVs ahead of 2030.
Solid state batteries get closer to mass production reality
The imminent road testing follows a successful validation of Factorial’s automotive solid state battery cells by Stellantis, with the batteries now set to find their way into a set of Stellantis demonstration EVs from 2026, with a scope for the manufacturer to begin production of solid state-based EVs in the future.
The results from the validation are impressive. The cells demonstrated an energy density of 375Wh/kg, exceeding that of traditional lithium-ion cells. Faster charging times were also realised, with a 15-90% state of charge achieved in just 18 minutes. More importantly for performance EVs, these cells also saw improved maximum discharge rates – allowing them to supply consistent energy to high power electric motors.
Ned Curic, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer at Stellantis, commented on the milestone:
“Reaching this level of performance reflects the strengths of our collaboration with Factorial. This breakthrough puts us at the forefront of the solid-state revolution, but we are not stopping there. We continue working together to push the boundaries and deliver even more advanced solutions, bringing us closer to lighter, more efficient batteries that reduce costs for our customers.”
Siyu Huang, CEO of Factorial Energy, added:
“Battery development is about compromise. While optimizing one feature is simple, balancing high energy density, cycle life, fast charging, and safety in an automotive-sized battery with OEM validation is a breakthrough. This achievement with Stellantis is bringing next-generation battery technology from research to reality.”
Stellantis originally invested $75 million in Factorial Energy back in 2021, however isn’t the only large OEM working with the firm to leverage its solid state battery expertise. Mercedes-Benz also has an ongoing partnership with the manufacturer, with a solid state battery-based Mercedes-Benz EQS already undergoing real-world road testing.
With solid state batteries initially expected to cost more than their conventional lithium-ion counterparts, expect the first production EVs with solid state cells to be premium models. However, as the technology becomes more developed, we could start seeing the cells filter down even to cheap electric vehicles – bringing new milestones in range and efficiency.
