The company Factorial has announced a breakthrough in solid-state batteries. The cells have been sent to Mercedes for real-world testing on an electric vehicle battery.
Who will take the lead in solid-state batteries? Currently, several major automotive groups are working on the subject, but the technology is struggling to make a breakthrough, currently confined to the laboratory where its qualities are already proving themselves. With better energy density and greater stability, solid-state electrolyte brings many benefits. However, it is also more sensitive to certain deformations that can alter the health of the battery: the famous dendrites, these irregularities that form during use, degrade the state of charge.
This is where the future of solid-state batteries lies, and for now, it seems quite complicated to envision an industrialization in order to have a reliable finished product over time. Especially since current producers of NMC or LFP batteries have years ahead of them to make the existing chemistry profitable… They may not have the financial means or the desire to see solid-state batteries dominate immediately, as this would require them to modify the industrial tool. As for Factorial, an important step has been taken with the sending of thousands of “B” cells (second stage of development) with a capacity of 100 Ah to Mercedes and “other undisclosed manufacturers”.
Mercedes will test its solid-state batteries
Solid-state batteries have some advantages such as 1000 km of range (depending on total capacity) and potentially 40% less mass. With a capacity of 100 Ah and assuming that an electric vehicle with well-studied aerodynamics consumes an average of 12 kWh/100 km, about 400 cells of this type would be needed in a solid-state battery to reach 1,000 km under real conditions. However, this currently represents a cost too high for the average person, especially since, according to our information, the size of a complete solid-state battery pack would be larger than a traditional current battery. While solid-state batteries require less cooling, they require a very particular pressure system that takes up space. Therefore, solid-state batteries would be more reserved for large vehicles at first… or perhaps adapted for smaller capacities in plug-in hybrids.
In conclusion, the advancement of solid-state batteries represents a significant step forward in the development of electric vehicles, but the road to commercialization and mass adoption may still face significant challenges. The integration of this technology in the automotive industry will require further research, testing, and investment to overcome current limitations and make solid-state batteries a viable solution for the future of electric mobility.