From Torque News.
Mercedes-Benz has just achieved a monumental milestone, becoming the first automaker to successfully test-drive an electric vehicle powered by a solid-state battery. This groundbreaking feat marks a significant leap forward in EV technology, potentially as transformative as Tesla’s initial entry into the market. While still in the concept stage with their EQS solid-state vehicle, Mercedes’ ability to move solid-state battery technology from the lab to a functional car is an undeniable game-changer.
Interestingly, Mercedes was not an early leader in solid-state battery development. Instead of pursuing independent in-house research, they strategically partnered with the U.S.-based firm Factorial Energy. This collaboration swiftly moved their solid-state ambitions from a September 2024 announcement of upcoming road tests to a tangible reality with the February 2025 debut of their working concept car. This success stands in contrast to other manufacturers, like Toyota, who despite early promising results, now appear to be lagging in the solid-state race.
The implications of Mercedes’ breakthrough are profound for the future of electric vehicles. Many of the common consumer concerns surrounding EVs, such as limited range, lengthy charging times, and battery replacement costs, are directly linked to the current limitations of lithium-ion batteries. Solid-state batteries hold the promise of overcoming these hurdles, potentially rendering current battery technology obsolete. While acknowledging the crucial role lithium-ion batteries played in making EVs viable, Mercedes has now demonstrated that the next generation of EV power is not just a theoretical possibility but a tangible reality on the road.
This is Armen Hareyan from Torque News. Please follow us at https://twitter.com/torquenewsauto on Twitter and https://www.torquenews.com/ for daily automotive news. Also, follow us on Telegram at https://t.me/teslaev
Reference: Mercedes’ Battery Breakthrough Just Shifted The EV Playing Field
https://www.topspeed.com/mercedes-battery-breakthrough/
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