SK On and Factorial Energy announced a new alliance that will focus on bringing solid-state batteries to the masses. SK On and Factorial team up on solid-state EV batteries Solid-state batteries have the potential to deliver significantly higher energy density, longer driving ranges, and faster charging than traditional lithium-ion batteries, but manufacturing them at scale remains a challenge. Finding a solid electrolyte that’s conductive and won’t crack or break still poses a challenge, and manufacturing them can be expensive. South Korea’s SK On and US-based Factorial Energy will pool their resources in an effort to manufacture solid-state batteries at scale. Advertisement - scroll for more content The two signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) on Wednesday to bring Factorial’s solid-state cell technology to SK On’s global manufacturing network. One of the main priorities of the new partnership is to assess whether and how SK On’s manufacturing facilities and battery plants can support the development of future solid-state batteries. Under the new alliance, the two will work together, using Factorial’s FEST solid-state battery tech and SK On’s battery and manufacturing expertise, to determine whether it’s feasible. “A battery breakthrough only matters if it can be manufactured at scale,” Factorial’s CEO, Siyu Huang, said after announcing the partnership with SK On. Dodge Charger EV with Factorial’s FEST solid-state batteries begins on-road testing in North America (Source: Stellantis) Manufacturing the breakthrough batteries at scale Huang added that SK On’s “manufacturing footprint spans some of the world’s most advanced battery facilities, and their expertise will be critical in shaping how solid-state battery technology integrates into global production ecosystems.” Meanwhile, Factorial’s high-energy density batteries enable smaller, lighter, and more efficient solutions for electric vehicles, energy storage, defense, and more. (Source: Stellantis) Last month, Factorial announced it had begun testing its FEST solid-state battery cells in North America through a collaboration with Stellantis. The cells were integrated into Stellantis’ STLA Large platform and used to power a Dodge Charger Daytona prototype. Stellantis said last year that Factorial’s 77Ah FEST cells achieved an energy density of 375 Wh/kg over more than 600 cycles. Stellantis and Factorial’s solid-state battery module (Source: Stellantis) The cells delivered ultra-fast charging from 15% to 90% in 18 minutes while maintaining performance in extreme temperatures ranging from -22°F to 113°F (-30°C to 45°C). Factorial’s solid-state cells achieved a discharge rate of up to 4C. Factorial is working with major automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis, to commercialize solid-state EV batteries. A modified Mercedes EQS with solid-state batteries travels 750 miles (1,205 km) on a single charge (Source: Mercedes-Benz) Last fall, Mercedes-Benz drove a modified EQS over 745 miles (1,200 km) using Factorial’s solid-state battery cells. Mercedes’ tech boss, Markus Schäfer, is already calling Factorial’s battery tech a potential “gamechanger” for EVs. SK On, on the other hand, supplies EV batteries to Hyundai Motor Group, Ford, and Volkswagen. The battery giant has over 200 GWh of annual production capacity globally, including about 100 GWh in the US alone. The new alliance comes after Factoral announced a partnership with South Korea’s POSCO FUTURE M to develop materials for all-solid-state batteries last December. Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News. You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow Electrek on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews.
+54 others
