A Massachusetts-based factory has introduced a process to produce solid-state battery cells, in a size range that electric vehicles can use, and which is close to what can be used for mass production.
The company has been supplying test cells to automakers, but on Thursday announced that it has scaled up sample cells to a “car-friendly” 40-amp-hour capacity and uses a dry coating process that it increases energy density while reducing operating costs and the environmental impact of battery production.
Solid state cells
The dry coating process eliminates all hazardous solvents, Factorial said in a press release. The coating process is also less power than traditional manufacturing processes, Factorial claims, while solid-state chemistry eliminates the need for a formulation process used with liquid-electrolyte chemistries to further reduce energy consumption.
Factorial noted that it used custom-made equipment at its Massachusetts development center to develop the dry coating process, but that provides a template for production in suitable battery factories, such as the one Factorial announced in 2023. And in terms of robustness, Factorial wants smaller instance cells. they already reached more than 2,000 charging and discharging cycles.
Dodge Charger Daytona test bed rendering of Factorial solid-state battery cells
Factory statistics Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis among its investors. Earlier this year it announced that cells developed in collaboration with Mercedes could increase efficiency by up to 80% by using higher power. Recently, Factorial confirmed that Stellantis will test its solid-state cells with an array of Charger for Dodge Daytona EVs from 2026.
Some car manufacturers have shown interest in solid-state batteries. Toyota announced earlier this year that it plans to start production in 2026 or sooner, though likely in low volumes. But Factorial appears to be making progress in producing solid-state batteries in volumes relevant to sales.