Could This New ‘Dream’ Battery Save Mercedes-Benz and Electric Cars from Exploding?

Mercedes-Benz Advances Solid-State Battery Development Amid Electric Vehicle Fire Concerns

The ongoing issue of electric vehicle (EV) fires, particularly those involving lithium-ion batteries, has raised safety concerns in the industry. One notable incident was a Mercedes-Benz EV fire in Cheongna, Incheon, South Korea, which occurred without any external cause, leading to significant property damage amounting to $2.65 million. While EV fires have typically been linked to traffic accidents, this incident highlighted the potential risks of lithium-ion batteries themselves.

According to reports, one-third of the 32 EV fires recorded by the end of July this year were directly related to the vehicles, with four fires originating from the batteries. Experts argue that shifting from lithium-ion to solid-state batteries could mitigate these risks.

Solid-State Batteries: A Safer Alternative

The primary difference between lithium-ion and solid-state batteries lies in their composition. While lithium-ion batteries are known for their high energy density, but they also carry a higher risk of fire or explosion due to mechanical damage, overcharging, and internal overheating. According to the VDS (Fire Prevention Research Institute) under the German Insurance Association, these conditions can lead to catastrophic failures in lithium-ion batteries.

In contrast, solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes rather than liquid ones. They offer improved safety, higher energy density, and better overall performance. This makes them significantly less prone to fire risks, positioning them as a safer and more efficient alternative for electric vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz Partners with Factorial to Develop Solid-State Batteries

Solid-state batteries are often called the “dream batteries” in the electric vehicle market due to their potential to address lithium-ion technology’s safety and performance issues. Mercedes-Benz recently drew attention for its collaboration with Factorial, a U.S.-based solid-state battery company. Together, they have unveiled the Solstice—a 40Ah solid-state battery cell, a significant leap from the previous 10Ah solid-state cells commonly used in prototypes.

The Solstice battery is gaining attention for its higher capacity. It could be scaled to support ultra-compact mass-produced electric vehicles, signaling the potential for broader adoption of solid-state technology soon.

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Commercialization Plans: A Five-Year Outlook

Solstice is designed based on FEST technology, jointly developed by Factorial and Mercedes-Benz. This technology’s main features include enhanced safety, high energy density, long life, and commercialization potential. It is compatible with existing lithium-ion battery production processes, making it advantageous for mass production. Based on this technology, Factorial and Mercedes-Benz announced that they plan to conduct various actual vehicle tests for mass production of solid-state batteries.

The two companies said they are developing solid-state batteries to be commercialized within five years. Previously, Mercedes-Benz was troubled by an electric vehicle explosion accident in Cheongna, Incheon, South Korea. The public is paying attention to whether the solid-state battery currently under development can save face and avoid the crisis.