Luxury electric car, Mercedes-Benz EQS, achieves impressive range of 1205 kilometers on a single battery charge using innovative solid-state technology.
Mercedes-Benz Achieves Record-Breaking 1,205km Drive with Solid-State Battery EQS Prototype
Mercedes-Benz has taken a significant step forward in the development of solid-state battery technology, successfully completing a 1,205km trip with a Mercedes-Benz EQS prototype without any charging stops. This achievement, which edges out the previous record set by the Vision EQXX, marks a major leap for electric vehicles and could potentially provide drivers with more time on the open road and less reliance on charging.
Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-Benz's CTO for Development & Procurement, has stated that the goal is to bring innovations like the solid-state battery into series production by the end of the decade. The successful long-distance drive of the EQS indicates that this target could be within reach, offering a promising future for electric vehicle technology.
The new solid-state pack delivers 25% more usable energy than the standard EQS battery while maintaining comparable weight and size. This increase in energy density is made possible by the integration of Factorial Energy’s FEST® lithium-metal cells with innovative pneumatic actuators, which manage the cell volume changes that occur during charging and discharging. The development of the solid-state battery package for the Mercedes-Benz EQS was led collaboratively by Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) and Factorial Energy.
The record-breaking journey spanned Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, with the EQS still having 137km of range left after completion. The development of the solid-state battery technology was supported by the expertise of Formula 1 engineers, and the public road tests avoid ferries altogether. Routes for the public road tests are planned using the brand's Electric Intelligence system, which factors in topography, traffic, and climate control needs.
Mercedes-Benz is testing its new solid-state battery chemistry on public roads to accelerate the path to series production. The FEST electrolyte system was used in the development of the solid-state pack, and the lithium-metal cells used in the solid-state pack were supplied by US-based Factorial Energy. The drive forms part of a wider validation programme for Mercedes-Benz's next-generation battery tech.
Passive airflow cooling was added to the solid-state pack, contributing to efficiency gains. Pneumatic actuators inside the pack manage the cell volume changes that occur during charging and discharging, ensuring consistent contact pressure and long-term reliability.
This groundbreaking achievement by Mercedes-Benz is a significant step towards a future where electric vehicles can offer greater range and reduced charging requirements, providing drivers with the freedom and confidence to travel longer distances without the need for frequent charging stops.
