Mercedes Secures Agreement to Realise Solid-State Battery Technology
Mercedes-Benz is strengthening its long-standing partnership, which has spanned over a decade, with the Taiwanese energy company ProLogium to help bring advanced solid-state battery technology to the automotive industry.
According to a report by Carscoops on Friday, the latest agreement allows Mercedes-Benz to gain priority access to test ProLogium’s fourth-generation battery cells, which have the potential to revolutionise the automotive industry.
Solid-state batteries have long been regarded as a highly promising battery technology. By replacing the liquid electrolyte found in conventional lithium-ion batteries with a non-flammable solid material, these batteries offer higher energy density, support faster charging, are safer, and possess a longer lifespan.
Through the agreement with ProLogium, Mercedes-Benz will conduct electrical, thermal, and safety testing on the company’s fourth-generation lithium-ceramic battery cells. These tests will be carried out at both Mercedes-Benz facilities and through third-party testing institutions.
The batteries utilise ceramic separator technology and non-flammable inorganic electrolytes. This technology is claimed to not only enable rapid charging but also produce high power output.
“At Mercedes-Benz, we are committed to shaping the future of electric mobility through technological leadership and innovation,” said Jörg Burker, a member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
The company stated that the manufacturing facility will enable the supply of battery cells to customers across Europe, including Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz also maintains other significant partners in the development of solid-state batteries. In addition to its collaboration with ProLogium, the company is testing lithium-metal battery cells from the American firm Factorial Energy.
Last year, a Mercedes-Benz EQS equipped with one of Factorial’s solid-state battery packages travelled 748.8 miles or 1,205 kilometres on a single charge.
The vehicle was actually capable of travelling even further, as Mercedes-Benz noted that the EQS completed the testing with an estimated remaining range of 85 miles or 137 kilometres.