Mercedes-Benz Is Already Testing Solid-State Batteries In EVs With Over 600 Miles Range

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Electrek: The 'holy grail' of electric vehicle battery tech may be here sooner than you'd think. Mercedes-Benz is testing EVs with solid-state batteries on the road, promising to deliver over 600 miles of range. Earlier this year, Mercedes marked a massive milestone, putting 'the first car powered by a lithium-metal solid-state battery on the road' for testing. Mercedes has been testing prototypes in the UK since February.

The company used a modified EQS prototype, equipped with the new batteries and other parts. The battery pack was developed by Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 supplier unit, Mercedes AMG High-Performance Powertrains (HPP) Mercedes is teaming up with US-based Factorial Energy to bring the new battery tech to market. In September, Factorial and Mercedes revealed the all-solid-state Solstice battery. The new batteries, promising a 25% range improvement, will power the German automaker's next-generation electric vehicles.

According to Markus Schafer, the automaker's head of development, the first Mercedes EVs powered by solid-state batteries could be here by 2030. During an event in Copenhagen, Schafer told German auto news outlet Automobilwoche, 'We expect to bring the technology into series production before the end of the year.' In addition to providing a longer driving range, Mercedes believes the new batteries can significantly reduce costs. Schafer said current batteries won't suffice, adding, 'At the core, a new chemistry is needed.' Mercedes and Factorial are using a sulfide-based solid electrolyte, said to be safer and more efficient.

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