Stellantis, the parent company of brands like Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and many others, is making significant progress in the development of solid-state batteries. The company is working in collaboration with a startup, Factorial, on this technology, which has just been successfully validated for automotive use.
Battery Development Challenges
Battery development is a complex process that involves finding a balance between various factors, including energy density, cycle life, fast charging, and safety. Optimizing one feature can be straightforward, but achieving a balance that meets the requirements of an automotive-sized battery with OEM validation is a significant breakthrough.
- Higher energy density
- Cycle life
- Faster charging speeds
- Safety
Stellantis and Factorial call the new packs Factorial Electrolyte System Technology, or FEST, which promises faster charging speeds, more capacity, and longer range vehicles. The solid-state batteries have been slow to come to market, but they have the potential to revolutionize the EV industry.
The Technology Behind FEST
The Factorial Electrolyte System Technology (FEST) uses a lithium-metal anode, quasi-solid electrolyte, and high-capacity cathode. This design enables faster charging speeds, higher power output, and greater EV performance.
- Lithium-metal anode
- Quasi-solid electrolyte
- High-capacity cathode
The FEST cells can also work under a variety of weather conditions, including extreme cold and extreme heat. The company claims that the batteries perform well in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 45°C (-22°F to 113°F).
Breakthroughs and Milestones
Stellantis says its 77Ah FEST cells have demonstrated an energy density of 375Wh/kg with over 600 charging cycles, a milestone for large-format lithium-metal solid-state battery. The batteries can also deliver higher power output with discharge rates up to 4C, for greater EV performance.
“Battery development is about compromise. While optimizing 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,” said Siyu Huang, CEO of Factorial Energy, in a statement.
Factorial’s cells are also designed to be more efficient and have a longer lifespan compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. The company is working with major automakers to integrate FEST technology into their vehicles.
A Global Competition
The development of solid-state batteries is a global competition, with several major automakers investing in this technology. Hyundai, Mercedes, Honda, and Toyota are all working on solid-state batteries, with Hyundai and Mercedes planning to launch their products in 2026. Honda plans to introduce solid-state EVs in the latter half of the decade, while Toyota aims to mass-produce solid-state batteries by 2028.
| Company | Product | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai | Semi-solid-state batteries | 2026 |
| Mercedes | Semi-solid-state batteries | 2026 |
| Honda | Solid-state EVs | Mid-decade |
| Toyota | Mass production of solid-state batteries | 2028 |
However, the US is in danger of being lapped by China, where companies like CATL and BYD have been working on new technologies that enable fast charging in just five minutes.
While the development of solid-state batteries is a significant achievement, there is still much work to be done. As Siyu Huang, CEO of Factorial Energy, noted, “Battery development is about compromise.
