In a groundbreaking collaboration, Mercedes-Benz has joined forces with Formula 1 engineers to develop and test a new solid-state battery technology for passenger vehicles. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the advancement of electric vehicles (EVs), promising superior energy density, faster charging, and greater safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. With road tests now beginning, this project signals a pivotal shift in automotive energy storage solutions.
The Collaboration
Partners Involved
The development of solid-state battery technology is driven by a strategic collaboration among industry leaders:
- Mercedes-Benz: A global leader in automotive engineering, pushing the boundaries of electrification and battery innovation.
- Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP): A division specializing in high-performance energy solutions, leveraging expertise from Formula 1 hybrid power units.
- Factorial Energy: A U.S.-based battery technology company, pioneering solid-state lithium-metal battery advancements.
Project Milestones
The project has followed a structured timeline to ensure rigorous testing and validation:
- 2021: Partnership agreement between Mercedes-Benz and Factorial Energy, initiating research into next-generation battery materials.
- 2022-2023: Development of solid-state prototypes and laboratory testing to validate energy density, safety, and durability.
- Summer 2024: Delivery of lithium-metal solid-state battery cells to Mercedes-Benz for further evaluation.
- End of 2024: Integration of prototype solid-state battery packs into a modified Mercedes EQS vehicle.
- February 2025: Commencement of on-road testing, assessing real-world performance, charging capabilities, and thermal stability.
Solid-State Battery Technology
Key Features
Solid-state batteries differ fundamentally from conventional lithium-ion counterparts by replacing liquid electrolytes with a solid electrolyte material. This change introduces several technological advantages:
- Solid Electrolyte Composition: Eliminates risks associated with thermal runaway and electrolyte leakage.
- Lithium-Metal Anode: Enables higher energy density and greater efficiency, reducing battery weight.
- Gravimetric Energy Density: Expected to reach up to 450 Wh/kg, significantly higher than today’s best lithium-ion cells (250-300 Wh/kg).
- Extended Lifespan: Improved stability allows for more charging cycles before degradation.
Benefits
The implementation of solid-state battery technology brings significant benefits for electric vehicles:
- Enhanced Safety: Reduced risk of battery fires, eliminating flammable liquid electrolytes.
- Increased Driving Range: Expected range improvement of 25% or more, reducing range anxiety.
- Weight Reduction: Solid-state batteries are lighter, contributing to better vehicle efficiency and performance.
- Faster Charging: Higher ionic conductivity enables quicker charging times than traditional lithium-ion counterparts.
Technical Innovations
Floating Cell Carrier
One of the critical engineering breakthroughs in this project is the Floating Cell Carrier design, developed by Mercedes-Benz and HPP engineers.
- Purpose: Accommodates the expansion and contraction of solid-state cells during charge-discharge cycles.
- Mechanism: Utilizes pneumatic actuators to adjust the battery pack volume dynamically.
- Advantage: Enhances battery longevity and maintains optimal energy efficiency over time.
Passive Cooling System
Another key innovation is the integration of a passive cooling system to manage thermal performance effectively:
- Why It Matters: Solid-state batteries generate less heat than lithium-ion cells but still require effective thermal management.
- How It Works: The new system eliminates the need for active cooling elements, reducing weight and complexity.
- Efficiency Gains: This approach results in higher energy efficiency and extends battery life.
Performance Expectations
Driving Range and Efficiency
Mercedes-Benz aims to push the limits of electric vehicle range and performance with solid-state batteries:
- Projected Range: The test vehicle aims to achieve over 1,000 km (620 miles) per charge.
- Comparison: The current EQS 450+ with a 118 kWh lithium-ion battery offers over 800 km (497 miles) on a single charge.
- Efficiency Gains: A lighter battery with higher energy density means less weight per unit of energy stored, improving efficiency.
Charging Time
- Faster Charging: Solid-state batteries support higher charging rates, potentially reducing charging times by 30-50%.
- Longevity: Improved cycle life ensures the battery maintains its performance over thousands of charge cycles.
