Summary
- Stellantis and Factorial will test solid-state battery cells in Dodge Charger Daytona electric vehicles starting in 2026
- Test fleet will validate Factorial’s technology in real-world conditions and assess its performance
- Factorial has been slowly advancing toward commercialization of its battery tech
- Stellantis previously invested $75 million in Factorial, along with investments from Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz
- Other automakers such as Volkswagen, Nissan, and Toyota are also funding solid-state battery technology development
Article
Stellantis and Factorial have announced plans to test solid-state battery cells in a fleet of Dodge Charger Daytona electric vehicles starting in 2026. This collaboration will allow Factorial to validate its technology and assess its performance in real-world driving conditions. The test fleet will also help Stellantis determine whether Factorial’s solid-state cells can be integrated with its EV-focused STLA Large platform on a commercial scale. Stellantis had previously invested $75 million in Factorial in 2021, indicating its commitment to advancing battery technology for electric vehicles.
Factorial has been slowly advancing toward commercialization of its battery tech over the past few years. The company began providing test cells to automakers in 2022 and opened what it claimed to be the largest U.S. solid-state EV battery plant in a Boston suburb the following year. In collaboration with Mercedes, Factorial developed the Solstice solid-state cell, which is said to increase EV range by up to 80% through greater energy density. Factorial’s progress in solid-state battery technology has attracted investments from other automakers such as Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz.
Volkswagen is another automaker that is investing in solid-state battery technology through a partnership with QuantumScape. Nissan and Toyota are also working on in-house development programs for solid-state batteries. Toyota has confirmed plans to start manufacturing solid-state cells in 2026 or shortly thereafter, although initially for low-volume EVs. The industry-wide focus on solid-state batteries suggests a shift towards more efficient and higher-performing energy storage solutions for electric vehicles.
The Charger Daytona, expected to debut at dealerships later this year, will be priced at $61,590 for the base model. It is projected to offer 317 miles of range with a 93.5-kWh usable battery pack made up of conventional lithium-ion cells. The integration of Factorial’s solid-state battery cells in future Charger models could potentially improve performance and increase range, further enhancing the appeal of electric vehicles in the market. Stellantis’s partnership with Factorial demonstrates its commitment to exploring innovative battery technologies to meet the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions.
The collaboration between Stellantis and Factorial represents a significant step towards the commercialization of solid-state battery technology for electric vehicles. By testing Factorial’s battery cells in real-world driving conditions, Stellantis aims to evaluate their performance and compatibility with its existing EV platform. The investment in Factorial by Stellantis and other automakers underscores the importance of advancing battery technology to improve the efficiency and appeal of electric vehicles as a sustainable mobility solution. The Charger Daytona test fleet will serve as a crucial step in assessing the potential integration of solid-state cells in future Stellantis models, paving the way for enhanced performance and range in electric vehicles.
With automakers like Volkswagen, Nissan, Toyota, and Stellantis investing in solid-state battery technology, the industry is poised for significant advancements in energy storage solutions for electric vehicles. Factorial’s collaboration with Mercedes and other automakers in developing solid-state cells with higher energy density highlights the potential for substantial improvements in EV performance and range. As more automakers explore solid-state batteries as a means to enhance their electric vehicle offerings, consumers can expect to see more efficient, longer-range options in the market. The ongoing developments in solid-state battery technology signal a promising future for electric vehicles and a shift towards more sustainable transportation solutions.
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