Car maker Stellantis and battery firm Factorial Energy have moved a step closer to the commercialisation of EV-usable lithium-metal solid-state batteries.
Called ‘Factorial Electrolyte System Technology’ (FEST), the US firm’s 77Ah cells have reportedly reached 375Wh/kg with more than 600 cycles.
The cells have an operating range of -30°C to 45°C (-22°F to 113°F) and can demonstrate high-power capabilities up to 4C discharge, while being able to charge from 15% to 90% in 18 minutes, report the firms.
Factorial used AI-driven tools to develop the electrolyte formulation that enabled the cells to reach their current performance.
The companies are working to reduce the weight of the pack architecture and improve overall system efficiency. This will improve vehicle integration and range, which will make the cells more cost-efficient in EV applications.
French firm Stellantis plans to assess the performance of Factorial’s solid-state batteries in real-world driving conditions via a demonstration fleet by 2026.
Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries offer higher energy density and faster charging. However, their use in EVs has been stunted because they have a much lower cycle-life than lithium-ion chemistries.
Siyu Huang, CEO of Factorial Energy, said: “Battery development is about compromise. While optimising one feature is simple, balancing high energy density, cycle life, fast charging, and safety in an automotive-sized battery with OEM validation is a breakthrough.
“This achievement with Stellantis is bringing next-generation battery technology from research to reality.”
Stellantis invested $75 million in Factorial Energy in 2021.
Read more about solid- state batteries here: https://www.bestmag.co.uk/?s=Solid-state
Photo credit: Stellantis
