In the electric vehicle market, car enthusiasts have long awaited a model that can deliver a range of up to 1000 kilometers on a single charge. Mercedes-Benz appears to have fulfilled this demand with its latest breakthrough. The company is currently testing a prototype EQS sedan equipped with a solid-state battery capable of achieving this impressive range. The first production car featuring this advanced battery technology is expected to hit the market by the end of the decade, signaling a significant shift away from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Solid-State Battery Testing Underway
Mercedes-Benz, in collaboration with US-based Factorial Energy, is rigorously testing the solid-state battery pack in the UK to evaluate its capacity, durability, and performance. Since early February, the EQS sedan has been used in these tests, modified specifically to house the new battery technology.
The primary adjustment was focused on redesigning the battery compartment to accommodate the solid-state pack. This battery features a floating cell carrier system with pneumatic actuators, engineered by Mercedes-Benz’s Formula 1 specialists in Brixworth. This innovative design manages the expansion and contraction of battery materials during charging and discharging, improving overall stability and performance.
Enhanced Range and Efficiency
While Mercedes-Benz has yet to release complete specifications, the company confirmed that the EQS sedan’s existing 12-module battery structure supports flexible configurations. The solid-state battery offers approximately 25% more range than a similarly sized and weighted lithium-ion battery. Mercedes estimates that this new battery technology will extend the EQS prototype’s driving range beyond 1,000 kilometers in real-world conditions.
Current EQS Model in India
In India, the Mercedes EQS 580 sedan currently features a 107.8kWh lithium-ion battery with a WLTP range of 588 kilometers (857 kilometers under the Indian MIDC standard). Factorial Energy revealed in June last year that it supplied Mercedes with battery cells capable of achieving an energy density of up to 391Wh/kg and a charging capacity exceeding 106Ah. The battery pack is equipped with a patented lithium-metal anode and polymer separator, further enhancing its efficiency and performance.
