Solid battery technology is increasingly popular with manufacturers (Ford, Nissan, Toyota, VW, etc.). Stellantis (Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel, Fiat …) has just signed with Daimler (Mercedes and Smart) at Factorial Energy to develop safer and more efficient batteries.
Who says electric cars says batteries. Today, the batteries in our cars mainly use lithium-ion technology, the most widespread and the cheapest. But battery manufacturers and manufacturers are looking for new solutions to contain costs and optimize performance of these large batteries set to multiply with the boom in electric mobility. Among the most popular solutions: solid electrolyte batteries.
Better technology
The Stellantis (Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel, etc.) and Daimler (Mercedes-Benz, Smart) groups have just signed a development agreement with Factorial Energy. The American company, already associated with Hyundai and Kia, has developed a large-format battery (40 Ah) who :
- offers 20 to 50% greater autonomy;
- allows to reduce charging times;
- increases security;
- is not more expensive than conventional lithium-ion batteries, for an equivalent size.
Undoubtedly, this technology represents the future of the battery thanks to its solid electrolyte which avoids the problem of heating during charging and the risk of fire. Consequently, it receives higher charging powers.
Arrival of solid batteries in 2026
Stellantis hopes to introduce the first competitive solid electrolyte battery technology from 2026, probably at the prototype stage, and thus gradually remove the main obstacles to the purchase of customers, which are the autonomy and the high price. . For now, the solid battery is in the development stage and no manufacturer has entered an industrial phase.
For its part, Mercedes will integrate this technology in a limited number of vehicles over the next five years to carry out full-scale tests. Unlike the Stellantis group, the German enters into the capital of the American company by investing ” a double-digit amount in millions of dollars », Specifies the press release from Daimler. Enough to ensure the presence of a representative of the brand on the Board of Directors of Factorial.
TO READ. Toyota. 50% cheaper batteries in 2030
