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In a bold leap toward the future of electric mobility, German automotive powerhouse Mercedes-Benz has begun testing what it hails as a world-first solid-state battery-powered vehicle from a major original equipment manufacturer (OEM). This cutting-edge technology, resulting from years of research and engineering, is expected to push the boundaries of EV performance, offering an astonishing 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of driving range on a single charge.
“Developing an automotive-scale solid-state battery underlines our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-Benz chief technology officer and a member of the board of management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG responsible for development & procurement.
“We’re therefore excited to announce that we’ve started road testing with a prototype vehicle equipped with this advanced technology. We will gain crucial insights into possible series integration of this cutting-edge battery technology.”
This milestone is the culmination of a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz engineers and American solid-state battery startup Factorial Energy. Specialists from the Mercedes-Benz Center of Competence for Battery Systems and Mercedes-AMG High-Performance Powertrains (HPP)—the same division responsible for crafting Formula One engines for Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin—worked together to develop and refine the prototype battery.
The breakthrough unit has been seamlessly integrated into a Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan, requiring only minor modifications to accommodate the solid-state battery system and its essential components. This marks a significant step forward, demonstrating that next-generation energy storage solutions can be incorporated into vehicle architectures with minimal disruption.
Solid-state battery technology has long been considered the “holy grail” of battery innovation, particularly within the electric vehicle sector. Compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state cells offer:
Higher energy density – delivering up to 25% more range at the same weight and size.
Enhanced safety – with a reduced risk of thermal runaway and fire hazards due to the absence of liquid electrolytes.
Lighter weight and improved efficiency – a crucial factor in extending EV range.
By replacing the traditional liquid electrolyte with a solid counterpart, these batteries can accommodate advanced anode materials like lithium metal, which dramatically outperforms conventional lithium-ion cells. Mercedes-Benz estimates a potential gravimetric energy density of up to 450 Wh/kg, significantly surpassing today’s commercial lithium-ion batteries, which typically range between 200 and 300 Wh/kg.
The Mercedes-Benz prototype solid-state battery incorporates a patented floating cell carrier, an advanced mechanism that dynamically adjusts to the natural expansion and contraction of battery materials during charge and discharge cycles. Pneumatic actuators further optimize this process, helping regulate cell volume and ensuring stability, longevity, and consistent performance.
“Being the first to successfully integrate lithium-metal solid-state batteries into a production vehicle platform marks a historic achievement in electric mobility,” said Siyu Huang, CEO and co-founder of Factorial Energy.
“This breakthrough demonstrates that solid-state battery technology has moved beyond the laboratory and into real-world application, setting a new benchmark for the entire automotive industry. Our collaboration with Mercedes-Benz proves that the future of electric vehicles is not just a vision but a reality we’re delivering today.”
With the prototype fully integrated into the EQS, Mercedes-Benz has embarked on an extensive laboratory and road testing phase. Over the coming months, engineers will push the battery through rigorous real-world trials, evaluating its performance, durability, and scalability.
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