Stellantis to jointly develop, invest in Factorial Energy's solid state EV batteries

Automotive manufacturing group Stellantis has agreed to jointly develop solid-state batteries for electric vehicles with Massachusetts-based Factorial Energy, it said Nov. 30.

The two companies have signed a joint development agreement to advance Factorial's high-voltage traction solid-state battery technology, with Stellantis investing an undisclosed sum in the battery maker.

Factorial has developed solid-state technology that addresses driving range and safety, which are key issues holding back wide-scale consumer adoption of EVs, Stellantis said.

The battery is based on the Factorial Electrolyte System Technology, or FEST, which Factorial said leveraged a proprietary solid electrolyte material that enabled safe and reliable cell performance with high-voltage and high-capacity electrodes, and had been scaled in 40Ah cells that perform at room temperature.

It added that FEST was "safer than conventional lithium-ion technology, extends driving range, and is drop-in compatible for easy integration into existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing infrastructure."

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said the investment in Factorial and other battery partners boosted "the speed and agility needed to provide cutting-edge technology" for the company's EV portfolio.

"Initiatives like these will yield a faster time to market and more cost-effective transition to solid-state technology," Tavares said.

Factorial CEO Siyu Huang said the partnership provided the opportunity to advance the adoption of its clean, efficient and safe solid-state battery technology to the mass market.

Stellantis announced in July at its EV Day that it aims to introduce the first competitive solid state battery technology by 2026.

Factorial signed a similar deal with South Korean vehicle makers Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. in late October, with the parties also signing a joint development agreement, including an investment to codevelop and manufacture Factorial's batteries to be used in their EVs.

They also did not disclose details about the investment.

At the time, Factorial said it expected to have a working prototype of the battery by 2023 and has planned mass production by late 2025 or 2026.