Factorial Inc, an industry leader in solid-state battery technology, announced the launch of Solstice, a solid-state battery with the potential to revolutionize the safety, performance and sustainability of next-generation electric vehicles (EVs). Solstice achieves energy densities of up to 450Wh/kg and features a novel dry cathode for more efficient and sustainable production. Solstice aligns with Factorial’s industry-leading FEST® (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) for automotive and other electric mobility applications, and is also suitable for consumer electronics. Solsticewas developed in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz as part of an ongoing partnership that demonstrates both companies’ continued commitment to innovation.
Solstice™ enables industry-leading performance and safety for electric mobility. Factorial expects OEMs to make the technology available before the end of the decade. Solstice™’s high energy density can increase the range of EVs by up to 80%, while significantly reducing vehicle weight and increasing efficiency. The sulfide-based solid-state electrolyte system addresses safety concerns with more flammable and volatile liquid electrolyte designs, targeting a EUCAR safety rating of 2 and maintaining stability at operating temperatures greater than 90°C. This also has the potential to reduce cooling system requirements in the battery pack, which also reduces costs.
“Solstice™ demonstrates our team’s leadership and the potential of solid-state batteries in overcoming the highest hurdles to electric vehicle adoption,” said Siyu Huang, CEO and co-founder of Factorial. “Solstice™ will not only increase the range and performance of electric vehicles, but also fits our vision of a sustainable future. We are happy to have continued support from Mercedes-Benz, which shows that we are able to meet the needs of global automakers now and in the future.”
Also Read: Brookfield to Invest $1.1B in Infinium for eFuels
Solstice has the potential to revolutionize battery production by significantly improving sustainability. Using a novel dry coating process, Solstice eliminates the use of hazardous solvents and energy-intensive steps common in traditional cathode production. The technology also eliminates the formation process, the most energy-consuming stage in lithium-ion battery manufacturing. Because of all these innovative benefits, Solstice™ reduces operating costs, energy consumption and environmental damage, paving the way for a more sustainable future in battery production.
“The Solstice solid-state battery marks another milestone in our partnership with Factorial, an important element in Mercedes-Benz’s strategy for battery development,” said Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer and Member of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “Solstice™ offers significant improvements in energy density and safety, enabling us to develop electric vehicles that set new standards in range, cost and performance.”
This announcement follows Factorial’s delivery of B- sample solid-state battery cells using the FEST® platform to Mercedes-Benz, a key step in the development and delivery of Factorial’s solid-state batteries using FEST®, paving the way for Solstice™ and the next generation of EVs. Mercedes-Benz entered into an agreement with Factorial in 2021, resulting in a $200MM investment round for Factorial in 2022.
SOURCE: Businesswire