Mercedes-Benz has developed a prototype of its EQS electric vehicle featuring a solid-state battery, designed to achieve an impressive driving range of up to 621 miles (1,000 km) on a single charge.
A Major Leap in Range and Efficiency
This advanced battery technology delivers a 25% increase in range compared to the current EQS model, which can travel approximately 488 miles (785 km) using a traditional lithium-ion battery under WLTP testing standards.
What Sets the Solid-State Battery Apart?
Developed in collaboration with U.S.-based startup Factorial Energy, this next-generation battery boasts an energy density of up to 450 Wh/kg. This innovation is expected to enhance efficiency and safety while pushing the boundaries of electric mobility.
Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid, which not only improves safety but also enables the use of new anode materials, such as lithium metal. These materials offer superior performance and higher energy density, making them a game-changer for EV technology.
Mercedes’ Formula 1 Expertise in Battery Innovation
For the EQS prototype, Factorial Energy supplied the battery cells, which were then assembled into a battery pack by Mercedes-Benz and AMG High Performance Powertrains in the UK—the same division behind Mercedes’ Formula 1 power units. This battery pack incorporates a patented floating cell holder with air motors, designed to compensate for the natural expansion and contraction of the cells during charging and discharging.
With an energy density around 25% higher than conventional lithium-ion batteries, this solid-state system represents a significant step forward. Notably, in 2023, Mercedes and Factorial demonstrated a battery with nearly twice the energy density of current lithium-ion cells, reaching approximately 0.45 kWh per kilogram.
A Partnership for the Future
Mercedes-Benz first announced its strategic partnership with Factorial Energy in 2021, focusing on the development of solid-state battery technology. By 2024, both companies confirmed that they expect this technology to become commercially viable by the end of the decade.
If solid-state batteries reach mass production, Mercedes-Benz’s advancements in micro-inverters and cooling systems could allow these cells to be integrated alongside other battery technologies within a single pack, further enhancing performance and efficiency.
Testing for Real-World Integration
Mercedes-Benz is actively testing this prototype to assess its feasibility for future production models. The company aims to introduce solid-state battery technology to the market by the end of the decade, significantly improving driving range, efficiency, and overall EV performance.
