Automotive

This Week in Engineering

Is the Solid-State Battery the Solution for Weak EV Sales? 

Factorial and Mercedes-Benz claim to have a solution that could upend the industry.

Battery technology is long been understood as the limiting factor in electric vehicle adoption worldwide. Electric vehicle batteries need to be lower in cost, offer higher energy density, and be faster to charge than current technology allows, and all major automakers are working to achieve this.

A new solid-state lithium-based design from Factorial, backed by Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis, promises to increase electric vehicle range by up to 80%, with lower operating temperatures and increased safety. Test cells have already been produced, and factorial has built a full-scale production facility just outside Boston. Widespread implementation should be ready by the end of the decade. 

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Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.