Factorial and Posco partner on solid-state batteries

Factorial Energy, a US developer of solid-state batteries, is partnering with South Korean battery material manufacturer Posco Future M. The goal is to collaborate on the development of solid-state battery materials. Factorial has already successfully tested initial battery materials from Posco.

Mercedes benz eqs mit festkoerperbatterie von factorial energy — Mercedes test vehicle with Factorial's solid-state battery
Image: Mercedes-Benz

Solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones between the cathode and anode. This technology is expected to deliver significant improvements in range, charging times, and safety compared to conventional batteries with liquid electrolytes. While solid-state batteries have yet to reach the mass market, Factorial Energy is regarded as one of the key drivers of this innovation.

For example, at the end of August, a slightly modified EQS from Mercedes-Benz, serving as a test vehicle, completed a 1,205-kilometre journey from Stuttgart to Malmö without a single charging stop—while still retaining a remaining range of 137 kilometres. For comparison, the WLTP range of an EQS with a standard battery is up to 816 km, depending on the configuration. In real-world long-distance conditions, however, the actual range is likely to be significantly lower. This means a regular EQS would almost certainly require one or even two charging stops for the same journey. It is why solid-state batteries hold such promise.

Given the potential of solid-state batteries, Factorial Energy has not only secured Mercedes-Benz as a partner but also Stellantis. Together, Stellantis and Factorial plan to introduce a demonstration fleet of the Dodge Charger Daytona with solid-state batteries to the roads in 2026.

Turning to the partnership between Factorial Energy and Posco Future M: the collaboration aims to ensure that Posco will supply suitable battery materials for Factorial’s solid-state batteries in the future. Factorial decided to sign the memorandum of understanding after testing cathode material samples for solid-state batteries and confirming that the materials from Posco Future M demonstrated strong performance.

Hong Young-Jun, Head of the Technology Research Laboratory at Posco Future M, stated: “We expect synergy in the next-generation all-solid-state battery business based on Factorial’s battery technology and market presence with global automakers, and POSCO Future M’s competitiveness in cathode and anode materials.”

Siyu Huang, CEO of Factorial, added: “Solid-state batteries are entering a new era of commercial readiness. We expect work with POSCO Future M to not only accelerate innovation in critical cathode and anode materials, but also strengthen a resilient global supply chain and drive meaningful cost reductions at scale.”

businesswire.com

This article was first published by Florian Treiß for electrive’s German edition.