Mercedes-Benz announced it has begun testing solid-state battery technology on public roads. Widely regarded as the next big thing for electric vehicles (EVs), solid-state batteries are claimed to be safer, more efficient and capable of delivering more range compared to current batteries.
Development of the German automaker’s solid-state battery involved Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP), a 100% subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz Group that specialises in Formula 1 technologies.
Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, which enhances cell safety and allows for the use of new anodes like lithium metal. This sees a performance uplift over conventional lithium-ion cells, including higher energy densities.
Mercedes-Benz claims solid-state technology has the potential to increase the gravimetric energy density (amount of energy stored in a battery cell per unit mass) for vehicle batteries up to 450 Wh/kg at the cell level for improved driving range.
A unique aspect being pointed out is the patented floating cell carrier that features pneumatic actuators. These interact with the cell volume change that occurs during charging (materials expanding) and discharging (materials contracting), affecting the battery’s performance and lifespan.
Following intensive testing on various test benches, a prototype was integrated into an EQS at the end of 2024. The brand’s flagship EV sedan required some modifications to fit the prototype and other accessories before hitting the roads in February this year.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the solid-state battery in the EQS rolling lab enabled up to 25% more driving range compared to a corresponding battery of the same weight and size. Passive battery cooling allowed for further weight and energy efficiency, with the development vehicle expected to provide a range of over 1,000 km.
For context, the current EQS450+ with a battery capacity of 118 kWh, which was introduced as part of a facelift last April, offers a range of up to 822 km following the WLTP standard. Over the next few months, Mercedes-Benz will continue testing its solid-state battery but hasn’t indicated when it will be offered to the public.
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