Mercedes-Benz is testing solid-state battery, the prototype car has a range of nearly 1000km

[PCauto] Mercedes-Benz is currently testing electric vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries, with the range rapidly approaching 1,000 kilometers.

Mercedes is deepening its exploration of solid-state battery technology in collaboration with U.S. firm Factorial Energy. Last year, Factorial not only delivered its first batch of solid-state battery cells based on FEST technology, but also launched the Solstice all-solid-state battery in September. Leveraging a sulfide-based solid electrolyte, the energy density has been pushed up to 450 Wh/kg, theoretically boosting the range by 80% compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.

At present, Mercedes has begun on-road testing in the UK. An EQS prototype fitted with 12 new battery modules is estimated to boost the driving range by about 25%. For instance, EQS 450+ could see its range surge past 997 kilometers, while Factorial aims for a range exceeding 965 kilometers, all while reducing the vehicle’s weight by 40% to strike a balance between long-distance capability and efficiency.

Factorial Energy isn’t collaborating solely with Mercedes. In December of last year, Factorial launched a 40 Ah Solstice all-solid-state battery cell that has attracted major automakers such as Hyundai and Stellantis. These companies are now pushing forward to commercially mass-produce solid-state batteries by 2030.

Across the automotive industry, solid-state batteries have become the new darling. Hyundai is expected to publicly showcase an all-solid-state EV battery demonstration line in March, while Honda proudly revealed its pilot production line last November. Stellantis plans to incorporate Factorial’s solid-state batteries by 2026.

Major players like Hyundai, Honda, Toyota, and Stellantis have all set large-scale production of solid-state batteries as a critical goal, and Chinese battery giants BYD and CATL are vigorously competing in this race.

Mercedes-Benz’s testing initiative has already attracted significant attention. There’s no doubt that once solid-state battery technology matures, electric vehicles will break through current range limitations, optimize charging efficiency, and further encroach upon the market share of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.