Mercedes solid-state battery may boost EV range by 80% [Video]

Mercedes-Benz has announced a major milestone in its development of a solid-state battery in partnership with U.S. battery technology company Factorial.

Mercedes and Factorial on Tuesday jointly announced they are working on a solid-state battery that they expect to be in production by the end of the decade.

Known as Solstice, the battery has an energy density of 0.45 kwh per kilogram (approximately 2.2 pounds), or close to double the density of lithium-ion batteries. The companies said EVs using the Solstice battery could have up to 80% more range compared to today’s average.

The Solstice battery features a sulfide-based solid electrolyte and a new type of cathode design that’s simpler and less expensive to manufacture than traditional cathodes. The battery is also targeted to maintain performance at temperatures above 194 degrees F, which its makers claim will reduce the need for complex and heavy battery cooling systems in EVs.

Solid-state batteries are touted as a revolutionary technology for EVs, as …