Tech Desk 
Jun 14, 2024
Manufacturers worldwide are actively engaged in advancing their battery technologies. Factorial Energy, based in Massachusetts, has been dedicated to developing lithium-metal quasi-solid-state technology for over a decade. They collaborate with prominent automakers like Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai. Recently, Factorial achieved a significant milestone by leading in the development of semi-solid-state batteries.
Factorial has delivered the first round of B-sample cells to Mercedes-Benz for testing. Initially, they unveiled 100-Ah solid-state cells at CES 2023 in partnership with Stellantis. By October 2023, they started distributing these samples to global automotive partners and shipped approximately 1,000 A-sample cells to Mercedes-Benz.
Recently, Factorial announced the shipment of 106-Ah B-sample cells to Mercedes-Benz, marking it as the first publicly announced delivery of B-sample solid-state battery cells to a global automotive OEM worldwide. Additional B-sample cells have been delivered but not yet announced.
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Factorial emphasised: "This critical phase involves validating module and pack designs against Mercedes-Benz's rigorous performance standards. It will also ensure the robustness of Factorial's supply chain and manufacturing processes to support future vehicle testing."
Factorial's cells utilise the "Factorial Electrolyte System Technology," comprising an anode and cathode with enhanced energy density of approximately 391 Wh/kg, compared to around 160 Wh/kg for ordinary Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP).
As part of their ongoing efforts, Factorial aims to support vehicles with a range of approximately 600 miles (966 km) per charge. They are currently working on establishing the largest solid-state manufacturing plant in the US to further advance their production capabilities.
