Factorial, a solid-state battery technology company, is introducing Solstice: an all-solid-state battery designed to enhance the safety, performance, and sustainability of the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs).
Solstice is designed to achieve an energy density of up to 450Wh/kg and features a novel dry cathode design that allows for more efficient and sustainable production. Developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, Solstice compliments Factorial’s FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) for automotive and electric mobility applications, while expanding its market to include consumer electronics.
Solstice aims to deliver top-tier performance and safety for electric mobility, with Factorial anticipating its adoption by OEMs before the decade’s end.
With a high energy density that can extend EV range up to 80% while reducing vehicle weight and boosting efficiency, Solstice uses a sulfide-based all-solid-state electrolyte system to enhance safety over traditional liquid electrolyte designs. Solstice targets a EUCAR safety rating of 2 and remains stable at operating temperatures above 90°C, potentially lowering cooling system requirements within the battery pack and reducing overall vehicle costs.
“Solstice embodies our team’s technology leadership and the potential of solid-state batteries to address the most significant hurdles for electric vehicle adoption,” said Siyu Huang, CEO and co-founder of Factorial. “We’re grateful to have Mercedes-Benz’s continued support, which underscores our ability to meet the needs of global automakers now and in the future.”
Through a novel dry coating process, Solstice eliminates the need for hazardous solvents and energy-intensive steps that are commonly used in traditional cathode production. The technology also bypasses the formation process, the most energy-consuming stage of lithium-ion battery manufacturing. By combining these innovations, Solstice reduces operating costs, energy consumption, and environmental impact, contributing to a more sustainable future for battery production.
“The Solstice solid-state battery technology represents another landmark milestone in our partnership with Factorial, which is a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz’s strategy and commitment to leading the charge in battery development,” said Markus Schäfer, chief technology officer and member of the board of management at Mercedes-Benz. “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.”
This announcement follows Factorial’s delivery of B-samples of its solid-state battery cells, which use the FEST platform, to Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz entered into a joint development agreement with Factorial in 2021 and led a $200 million investment round in 2022.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News