Big electric vehicle changes coming

Solid-state batteries offer far better power densities than the batteries used in fully electric and hybrid vehicles today, resulting in significant range improvements. These solid-state batteries ditch the plastic membrane in conventional batteries for a barrier that also acts as the electrolyte, increasing the power density. This also helps them charge much faster, resulting in less time spent at EV charging stations. Mercedes-Benz has been working with Factorial Energy to develop solid-state batteries for future EVs, and it aims to start selling EVs with these batteries by 2030. Dubbed the Solstice, the solid-state battery has a power density of 450 watt-hours-per-kilogram (Wh/kg), making it nearly twice as dense as the best batteries in today’s EVs and hybrids. Some new energy vehicles feature batteries with power densities as low as 90Wh/kg, 20% of the density offered by the Solstice solid-state battery. As a result, Mercedes-Benz and Factorial Energy say the Solstice will enable EVs to travel 80% further on a single charge.

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