Factorial Energy, in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle market with their new solid-state battery, Solstice. Expected to hit the market by the end of the decade, this cutting-edge technology promises to significantly enhance EV performance and efficiency.

Key Details:

• Energy Density: The Solstice battery boasts an impressive energy density of up to 450Wh/kg, which could increase electric vehicle range by up to 80%.

• Efficiency: The new battery design aims to reduce vehicle weight and improve overall efficiency.

• Dry Cathode Design: Solstice incorporates a dry cathode design for more efficient, sustainable production. This innovation could lower operating costs, reduce energy consumption, and minimize environmental impact.

Sulphide-Based Solid Electrolyte: This feature ensures stability at temperatures exceeding 90°C, potentially decreasing the cooling system requirements and reducing vehicle costs.

• Dual Sector Application: Besides automotive use, Factorial plans to introduce Solstice into the consumer electronics sector.

Mercedes-Benz plays a crucial role as both a development partner and a key customer.

Aerospacelab, the Belgian small satellite manufacturer, has inaugurated its first U.S. facility in Torrance, California. The 35,000 square-foot state-of-the-art plant will enhance production capacity, enabling the company to produce up to two satellites per week. This expansion will support the growing U.S. space market, including government and military needs, and will also cater to Xona Space Systems.

The new facility will be pivotal for projects like the Telesat Lightspeed constellation, despite a reduction in its size. Additionally, Aerospacelab is constructing a 'Megafactory' in Belgium, set to become one of the largest satellite factories worldwide by 2026. This growth underscores Aerospacelab’s commitment to advancing satellite technology and production.

Stellantis has announced a major investment of over $406 million in three Michigan facilities as part of its push to expand electric and hybrid vehicle production. This strategic move will transform the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant into Stellantis’ first U.S. facility dedicated to manufacturing fully electric vehicles (EVs).

The investment also includes the retooling of the Warren Truck Assembly Plant to produce an electrified version of the Jeep Wagoneer, and increased funding for the Dundee Engine Plant to support the production of a new platform for cars, crossovers, and SUVs.

This initiative aligns with Stellantis' ambitious goal to achieve 100% battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in Europe and 50% BEV sales in the U.S. by 2030. The company plans to invest more than 50 billion euros over the next decade to meet these targets, marking a significant step forward in the automotive industry’s shift towards sustainability.

Mercedes-Benz Group AG and U.S. battery startup Factorial are joining forces to advance solid-state battery technology, with plans to significantly enhance electric vehicle (EV) range and aim for production readiness by the end of the decade. The new battery, named Solstice, promises to boost EV range by approximately 80% compared to today's average, boasting an energy density of 450 Watt-hours per kilogram.

Solid-state batteries are anticipated to revolutionize the EV market by offering increased safety, reduced fire risk, and lighter, more cost-effective vehicles that can travel further on a single charge. However, scaling up this technology has proven challenging for automakers and battery manufacturers.

Factorial's quasi-solid-state batteries are already undergoing testing by Mercedes and other automakers, with expectations to appear in EVs by 2026. The company raised $200 million in 2022, with investments from Mercedes, Stellantis, and Hyundai.

The key advantage of solid-state batteries lies in replacing liquid electrolytes with solid alternatives, which can reduce fire risks and eliminate the need for heavy cooling systems. This innovation could lead to lower overall vehicle costs by reducing battery pack size and weight.

Mercedes' Chief Technology Officer Markus Schaefer indicated that Factorial's solid-state batteries could deliver a 40% improvement in energy density over current high-performance batteries. This advancement could allow for either smaller battery packs or longer-range EVs. The reduction in battery weight also opens the possibility of using more affordable materials, such as steel, in vehicle production.

Despite some challenges, such as performance in cold weather and battery expansion, Mercedes is optimistic about Factorial's ability to meet its production goals. In addition to this collaboration, Mercedes is exploring other battery technologies, including high-silicon anodes and working with Taiwanese battery maker ProLogium on solid-state solutions.

Volkswagen’s PowerCo will now only build one of the two planned battery production lines at its Salzgitter plant in Germany. The decision is a response to the automotive sector’s adjustment to slowing demand for electric vehicles. The company’s works council reported this shift as part of a broader industry trend to recalibrate production plans in light of changing market conditions.