A new type of super-efficient, fast-charging battery is now being tested in a road-going car in North America. This marks a big step forward in battery technology.
A Dodge Charger is being used as the test vehicle. It has been fitted with a "solid-state" battery pack for real-world road tests. Details about the testing duration and specific trials are not yet public. However, practical assessments like this often mean the technology is close to being used in production cars.
Stellantis and Factorial Energy Team Up
Stellantis, a global car group that owns brands like Chrysler, Fiat, Peugeot, and Citroen, is becoming a leader in new battery technology. This is thanks to its partnership with Factorial Energy, an American battery tech company.
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Start Your News DetoxLast year, the two companies announced impressive progress. They created an electric vehicle (EV) battery with a high energy density of 375 watt-hours per kilogram. This is almost double what many current EV batteries offer. It can also recharge from 15% to 90% in just 18 minutes. The battery works well in temperatures from -22 ºF to 113 ºF (-30 ºC to 45 ºC). These early results were from lab tests, not real-world driving.
Moving the new battery from the lab to a car was challenging. Stellantis said it required "advanced engineering solutions" from both companies. Factorial’s FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) solid-state cells were put into the existing battery pack. This involved a "whole new mechanical architecture." Stellantis engineers also redesigned the control systems and pack.
These tests in the Dodge Charger are reportedly the first time solid-state EV batteries have been put into a proper road-going car in North America.
The Promise of Solid-State Batteries
Solid-state batteries offer higher energy density and faster recharging. While there has been much talk about them, they haven't been seen in production cars in the US until now. Similar tests began in Europe last year with BMW and Mercedes, which also works with Factorial. Honda and MG are also developing solid-state battery technology.
The core technology involves replacing the liquid or gel electrolyte in traditional lithium-ion batteries with a solid electrolyte. Factorial's battery uses a "semi-solid" electrolyte. This is a "hybrid between liquid and solid," with a "solid matrix infused with a liquid or gel-like electrolyte." This design offers better thermal stability and less flammability. It also has smoother ionic conductivity. Factorial claims semi-solid systems are easier and cheaper to make than fully solid-state electrolytes.
The ultra-fast charging will appeal to EV buyers right away. However, the battery’s higher efficiency is a major long-term benefit. It means batteries can be much smaller and lighter while still performing well. Last year, Factorial suggested it could power a Tesla with a battery weighing 565 pounds (256 kg). This is much lighter than the standard 1,377-pound (624.5 kg) battery. Solid-state batteries also need less structural support, leading to even more weight savings.
While major automakers are testing prototypes with ranges over 700 miles and five-minute charging, widespread use is still a few years away. However, solid-state batteries are already powering other vehicles. Verge Motorcycles is shipping production bikes with solid-state packs. The Estonian brand’s Gen 2 TS Pro electric motorcycle uses a battery from its spinoff company, Donut Lab. It can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds, has a range of up to 372 miles (600 km), and can charge 80% in 10 minutes.
Deep Dive & References: Stellantis and Factorial Integrate Advanced Solid-State Battery into Stellantis Development Vehicle and Launch Road Testing - Stellantis Media, 2023
