Collaboration between Factorial and Mercedes-Benz for the creation of an electric vehicle battery that enhances its driving range.
In a significant development for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Factorial, a company founded at Cornell University in 2013, has created the Solstice battery. This innovative battery is being developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis, with Mercedes-Benz leading a $200 million investment round in Factorial in 2022.
The Solstice battery boasts several advantageous features. For instance, it uses a sulfide-based solid-state electrolyte, which significantly reduces the risk of thermal runaway and potential fires, a concern with more flammable liquid electrolyte battery designs. Moreover, the battery maintains stability at operating temperatures over 90°C (194 degrees Fahrenheit), potentially reducing the cooling system requirements of EVs, thus helping to reduce costs.
One of the most promising aspects of the Solstice battery is its potential to increase the range of electric vehicles by up to 80%. This could mean an electric vehicle reaching around 600 miles on a single charge, a significant leap from current capabilities.
The battery's cathode material is manufactured using a novel dry coating process, eliminating the need for hazardous solvents, making it safer and more environmentally friendly. Additionally, the manufacturing process does not require hazardous solvents, unlike traditional battery production methods.
Factorial aims to make its battery technology available to other automotive OEMs and consumer electronics customers by the end of the decade. The company has joint development agreements with Stellantis, Hyundai Motor Co., and Kia Corp., and the Solstice battery is being made available for testing to other companies, including Mercedes-Benz, as evidenced by the first B-sample battery cells delivered to Mercedes-Benz in June.
Interestingly, Factorial's collaboration with Toyota Motor Corp. regarding the development of solid-state battery technology does not appear to be evident in available search results. However, Toyota Motor Corp. is independently researching solid-state battery technology for its future EVs.
The Solstice battery is a lighter and more energy-dense solid-state battery that could improve the safety and performance of electric vehicles. Its manufacturing process can be scaled quickly, according to Factorial CEO Siyu Huang, as it can be produced on existing lithium-ion battery production lines.
The development of the Solstice battery was announced in a Sept. 10 press release, marking a significant step forward in the quest for safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting batteries for electric vehicles. As the EV market continues to grow, innovations like the Solstice battery could play a crucial role in making electric vehicles a more viable and attractive choice for consumers.
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