620 Miles Range Mercedes EQS EV Solid-State Battery Testing Begins

Summary

Mercedes-Benz, in collaboration with American startup Factorial Energy, has developed a prototype EQS electric vehicle equipped with a solid-state battery. This breakthrough promises a 25% increase in driving range, potentially offering up to 620 miles per charge. Solid-state batteries, unlike conventional lithium-ion, are more energy-dense, safer, and lighter. The technology also reduces fire risks and could improve vehicle efficiency by up to 40%. Mercedes-Benz’s innovative approach, including a lithium metal anode and pneumatic actuators, marks a significant milestone for the future of electric vehicles. The first solid-state EV is expected by the end of the decade.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mercedes-Benz has partnered with American startup Factorial Energy to create a prototype EQS electric vehicle with a solid-state battery.
• 😀 The new solid-state battery offers a 25% increase in range compared to the current EQS 450 Plus, reaching an estimated 620 miles.
• 😀 Solid-state batteries have higher energy density and lower weight compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
• 😀 The EQS with the solid-state battery could achieve up to 527 miles per charge under EPA standards, which is close to the range of a Lucid Air with a traditional battery.
• 😀 The key advantages of solid-state batteries include better thermal stability, improved energy storage, and reduced fire risks due to the solid electrolyte used.
• 😀 Unlike liquid electrolyte batteries, solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte, increasing the battery’s efficiency and safety.
• 😀 Semi-solid-state batteries, such as those used in Chinese EVs like the NIO ET7, serve as a transitional technology offering some benefits of solid-state batteries.
• 😀 Mercedes-Benz’s solid-state battery prototype features a lithium metal anode, which stores more energy than traditional graphite anodes, but also faces dendrite formation issues.
• 😀 Factorial Energy has developed a floating cell carrier design in the battery that adapts to physical changes during charging and discharging, improving performance.
• 😀 Mercedes-Benz has used pneumatic actuators, developed by its Formula 1 engineers, to manage the expansion and contraction of the battery materials.
• 😀 Factorial Energy is not just working with Mercedes-Benz but has also partnered with Stellantis and Hyundai to develop solid-state battery technology for future EVs.

Q & A

What is the significance of the solid-state battery in the prototype EQS by Mercedes-Benz?

The solid-state battery marks a major shift from experimental phases to real-world testing. It offers an impressive 25% improvement in range compared to the current EQS 450 Plus, reaching an estimated 620 miles per charge.

How does the solid-state battery in the EQS compare to the current lithium-ion batteries?

The solid-state battery stores more energy in the same physical space as lithium-ion batteries, while reducing weight and increasing efficiency by up to 40%. This results in better range and performance for electric vehicles.

Why is the solid-state battery considered a game-changer for electric vehicles?

The solid-state battery offers higher energy density, improved thermal stability, and reduced fire risks compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. These improvements address critical factors such as range, safety, and weight in electric vehicles.

How does the solid-state battery improve vehicle range?

The solid-state battery improves vehicle range by providing more energy storage in the same space as current lithium-ion batteries. This leads to a 25% increase in range while maintaining the same size and weight.

What is the estimated driving range of the prototype EQS with the solid-state battery?

The prototype EQS is expected to have an estimated driving range of 620 miles, which is a substantial increase over the 481-mile range of the current EQS 450 Plus.

What is the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates in range calculations?

The EPA estimates typically result in about a 22% lower range than the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). For the solid-state EQS, this means it would still achieve around 527 miles per charge under EPA standards.

What challenge has Mercedes-Benz and Factorial likely overcome in developing the solid-state battery?

Mercedes-Benz and Factorial have likely found a way to mitigate the issue of dendrite formation in lithium metal anodes, which can cause short circuits in solid-state batteries.

What is the significance of the floating cell carrier design in the solid-state battery?

The floating cell carrier design allows the battery to handle the physical changes caused by expansion and contraction during charging and discharging, ensuring better durability and performance.

How does Factorial Energy's partnership with Stellantis and Hyundai contribute to the development of solid-state batteries?

Factorial Energy's partnerships with Stellantis and Hyundai help to further develop and test solid-state battery technology. They are working on a fleet of vehicles, including the Dodge Charger Daytona, that will feature Factorial's semi-solid-state battery technology.

When can we expect the first solid-state electric vehicle from Mercedes-Benz to hit the market?

The first solid-state electric vehicle from Mercedes-Benz is expected to arrive before the end of the decade, as solid-state battery technology moves from the lab to real-world applications.