Stellantis will check solid-state battery cells from Massachusetts-based Factorial in a fleet of Dodge Charger Daytona electrical automobiles beginning in 2026, the 2 firms introduced Wednesday.
The check fleet “will allow the validation of Factorial’s know-how and evaluation of its efficiency in real-world driving situations,” the businesses mentioned. It is going to additionally assist Stellantis gauge whether or not Factorial’s solid-state cells may be built-in with its EV-focused STLA Massive platform—which underpins the Charger, Jeep Wagoneer S, and different upcoming fashions—on a business scale.
Factorial solid-state battery cell
It is also yet one more step towards commercialization of Factorial’s battery tech, which the corporate has been slowly advancing towards over the previous few years. Factorial started offering check cells to automakers in 2022. The next yr, Factorial opened what it billed because the largest U.S. solid-state EV battery plant but in a Boston suburb.
Stellantis invested $75 million in Factorial in 2021. Different automaker buyers embody Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz. Earlier this yr, Factorial introduced that its Solstice solid-state cell developed in collaboration with Mercedes might increase EV vary by as much as 80% by way of higher vitality density.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona
Different automakers are additionally funding solid-state battery tech. Volkswagen has partnered with QuantumScape, whereas Nissan and Toyota are operating in-house growth packages. Earlier this yr, Toyota confirmed plans to start manufacturing solid-state cells in 2026 or quickly after then, albeit seemingly in small quantities for low-volume EVs.
In the meantime, the Charger Daytona is predicted to reach at dealerships earlier than the tip of the yr with a $61,590 base value for the entry-level R/T mannequin. It is anticipated to return 317 miles of vary with a 100.5-kwh (93.5-kwh usable) battery pack comprised of typical lithium-ion cells.
