Factorial Inc., a leader in solid-state battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs), has delivered B-samples of its 106+Ah lithium-metal solid-state battery cells to Mercedes-Benz under their joint development agreement. This marks the world’s first announced B-sample shipment of solid-state battery cells to a global automotive OEM, indicating significant progress towards the series production of passenger EVs with Factorial’s technology.
Factorial has previously shipped over 1,000 100+Ah solid-state battery cells to Mercedes-Benz during the A-sample phase, demonstrating its capability for high-volume production. The B-samples will now be integrated into modules and battery packs for extensive testing and optimization, validating designs against Mercedes-Benz’s stringent performance standards. This phase will also confirm the robustness of Factorial’s supply chain and manufacturing processes, ensuring scalability for future vehicle testing.
“We are thrilled to advance to the B-sample phase with a global automotive leader like Mercedes-Benz,” said Siyu Huang, CEO and Co-Founder of Factorial. “This rapid progression from A-sample to B-sample delivery in under a year highlights Factorial’s innovation capabilities. We continue to push the envelope to accelerate the adoption of solid-state batteries in the automotive sector. As a U.S. cell maker, our high energy density cell aims to build more efficient and sustainable vehicles, setting new standards for EV range, cost, and performance globally.”
Factorial’s solid-state battery cells utilize the proprietary FEST® (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) platform with a lithium-metal anode, offering an energy density of 391Wh/kg. These batteries are produced using existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing equipment, requiring minimal modifications, thus streamlining the validation process and reducing long-term costs.
Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer at Mercedes-Benz, stated, “Our partnership with Factorial is a key part of our strategy to lead in innovative battery technologies. These B-sample batteries will help us validate this next-generation technology, aiming to enhance range and performance, reduce vehicle costs, and offer the most desirable EVs to our customers.”
This milestone establishes Factorial as a crucial technology partner for leading automakers advancing their EV portfolios. Besides Mercedes-Benz, Factorial has joint development agreements with Stellantis, Hyundai Motor Company, and Kia Corporation.
