Factorial announces Solstice, a solid-state EV battery developed with Mercedes-Benz

Solid-state battery technology company Factorial Inc announced the introduction of Solstice, a next-generation all-solid-state battery that the company said "can revolutionize the safety, performance, and sustainability of the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs)".

Woburn, Massachusetts-based Factorial said that Solstice --- developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz --- incorporates a dry cathode design and "is set to achieve a breakthrough energy density of up to 450 Wh/kg."

"Solstice's high energy density can extend EV range up to 80 percent while significantly reducing vehicle weight and increasing vehicle efficiency. Its sulfide-based all-solid-state electrolyte system addresses safety concerns associated with more flammable and volatile liquid electrolyte designs, targeting a EUCAR safety rating of 2 and maintaining stability at operating temperatures over 90°C. This also has the potential to reduce the cooling system requirements within the battery pack to lower overall vehicle cost," the US company said in a press statement.

Siyu Huang, CEO and Co-Founder of Factorial, said in a statement: "Solstice not only will enhance the range and performance of electric vehicles but also aligns with our vision for a more sustainable future," adding: "Solstice embodies our team's technology leadership and the potential of solid-state batteries to address the most significant hurdles for electric vehicle adoption."

Factorial said it expects the Solstice technology to be introduced by automotive firms before the end of the decade.

The company says Solstice can revolutionize battery manufacturing because it uses a novel dry coating process which eliminates the need for hazardous solvents and energy-intensive steps commonly used in traditional cathode production.

The Solstice technology also bypasses the formation process, which is the most energy-consuming stage of lithium-ion battery manufacturing, Factorial said.

For Mercedes-Benz, which entered into a joint development agreement with Factorial in 2021 and led a $200 million investment round in the venture in 2022, the new solid-state battery holds the promise of safer and improved EVs.

Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer and Member of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz Group, said in a statement: "Solstice offers further improvements in energy density and safety features that will help us develop electric vehicles that set new standards in range, cost, and performance."