Solid-state EV batteries are getting real as on-road testing begins in North America

Solid-state EV batteries are now being tested on the road in North America for the first time, promising longer range, faster charging, and lower costs.

Factorial, Stellantis test solid-state EV batteries in real life

Jeep maker Stellantis and US-based Factorial Energy officially began testing the advanced new battery tech on the road, marking the first time solid-state batteries have been integrated into an EV in North America.

Factorial’s FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) solid-state battery cells were used to power a Dodge Charger Daytona development vehicle.

The milestone comes after Stellantis and Factorial validated that 77Ah FEST cells achieved an energy density of 375 Wh/kg with over 600 cycles last April.

Factorial’s advanced solid-state battery cells also proved ultra-fast charging from 15% to 90% in just 18 minutes, and maintained performance in extreme temperatures ranging from -22°F to 113°F (-30°C to 45°C). Plus, the cells deliver a discharge rate of up to 4C.

Moving the new battery tech from the lab to the real world wasn’t easy. Stellantis said transitioning the cells into a development vehicle “demanded advanced engineering solutions” from both companies.

Factorials FEST solid-state battery cells were integrated into Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, while engineers modified the control systems and pack design to optimize safety and performance.

With the battery pack now complete, Stellantis and Factorial have begun road testing for the first time in North America.

“What we have built together, from cell chemistry to pack architecture to enable real-world road testing, is exactly the kind of deep, full-stack collaboration that solid-state has always required,” Factorial’s CEO, Siyu Huang, said.

He added that “This milestone doesn’t just validate FEST; it sets a new bar for what automotive-grade solid-state batteries can deliver and supports the development of future vehicles designed to meet the evolving needs of drivers.”

Factorial is working with several major automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis, to commercialize solid-state EV batteries.

Last September, Mercedes-Benz drove a modified EQS over 745 miles (1,200 km) using Factorial’s solid-state battery cells. Mercedes’ tech boss, Markus Schäfer, said Factorial’s battery tech could be a real “gamechanger” for EVs.

Beyond the automotive industry, Factorial plans to expand the battery tech to other segments, such as robotics, aerospace, and defense.

Factorial said its solid-state battery cells deliver a 50% improvement in driving range, offering over 600 miles on a single charge. Earlier this week, Factorial began trading on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “FAC” following a business merger with Cartesian Growth Corp III (a SPAC). The merger is worth about $1.3 billion, and Factorial will receive roughly $110 million as it works to commercialize the next generation of batteries.