For years, solid-state batteries have been seen as a promising technology for electric vehicles (EVs), but they’ve been mostly stuck in the testing phase, but now, Mercedes-Benz EQS has tested these batteries with impressive range gains.
A major breakthrough is happening with Mercedes-Benz and American battery start-up, Factorial Energy, joining forces to develop a solid-state battery for the Mercedes-Benz EQS.
This collaboration has resulted in the world’s first solid-state battery vehicle from a global automaker.
The companies have already begun road tests with the prototype EQS, which is equipped with this advanced battery technology.
Enhanced driving range and efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of solid-state batteries is the increased driving range. The Mercedes-Benz EQS, with a solid-state battery, is expected to achieve an impressive 620 miles (1,000 km) of range.
This marks a significant improvement, with a 25 per cent increase compared to the current EQS 450+ model, which has a Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) range of 481 miles (775 km).
Even as WLTP figures tend to be higher than the more conservative Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates, it’s expected that the EQS will still deliver around 527 miles (850 km) of range based on the EPA standards.
Solid-state battery advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries
Solid-state batteries are a major advancement over the conventional lithium-ion batteries used in most EVs today.
Unlike lithium-ion batteries that use a liquid electrolyte to move electrons, solid-state batteries have a solid electrolyte, which allows a higher energy density and improved fire safety. Additionally, solid-state batteries can be lighter and more efficient.
Mercedes-Benz claims that its solid-state battery provides 25 per cent more range with the same size and weight as the current lithium-ion batteries.
Furthermore, there’s potential for even greater improvements, with the range expected to increase by up to 40 per cent in the future.
How solid-state batteries work: Key innovations
In addition to the solid electrolyte, the solid-state battery in the EQS prototype features a lithium-metal anode. This anode stores more energy than the traditional graphite anodes in the current batteries.
However, lithium-metal batteries have faced challenges in the form of dendrite formation and small metal projections that could potentially short-circuit the battery.
Mercedes-Benz and Factorial Energy have made progress in overcoming these obstacles to move forward with the solid-state battery design.
Another unique feature of the solid-state battery used in the EQS is the “floating cell carrier” design. This allows the battery to expand when charging and contract when discharging.
To handle this expansion and contraction, the battery uses pneumatic actuators developed by Mercedes' Formula 1 engineers.
Future of solid-state batteries in EVs
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is just the beginning. Factorial Energy has also partnered major automotive companies like Stellantis and the Hyundai Motor Group to further develop solid-state batteries.
In fact, a demonstration fleet of the Dodge Charger Daytona EV, equipped with Factorial’s semi-solid-state battery, is expected to begin road testing next year.
Factorial’s chief executive officer (CEO) Siyu Huang is optimistic that solid-state batteries will enter mass production by the end of this decade.
E-Vroooom’s views
While the Mercedes-Benz EQS prototype is still undergoing testing, it is showing impressive gains in mileage, is slated for quicker charging times, and would be lighter batteries but the timeline for mass production of solid-state batteries is still uncertain as of now, which is a negative.
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