Mercedes-Benz has taken a significant step forward in the electric vehicle (EV) industry by gaining exclusive early access to ProLogium’s latest Gen4 solid-state battery cells. This strategic move is poised to enhance the performance and safety of Mercedes’ future EVs.
Mercedes Secures Priority Access
With advancements in battery technology accelerating, Mercedes-Benz is at the forefront of utilizing cutting-edge solid-state batteries. Often touted as the future of EV power sources, these batteries promise enhanced energy density, reduced charging times, and improved safety features.
Mercedes and ProLogium have entered into a joint testing agreement. This collaboration allows Mercedes to have priority access to ProLogium’s state-of-the-art Gen4 Superfluidized Inorganic Lithium Ceramic Battery cells, which will undergo rigorous testing for their electrical and thermal capabilities.
The Gen4 platform by ProLogium is engineered to address the challenges of scaling production and maintaining a competitive pricing model in the solid-state battery market. Utilizing an innovative non-flammable electrolyte and a ceramic separator, these batteries are designed to offer rapid charging, robust power output, and reliable performance even in low-temperature conditions.
From Lab to Large-Scale Production
Since 2016, Mercedes and ProLogium have collaborated on various lithium ceramic battery prototypes, including the development of pouch cells and prismatic formats. ProLogium’s ambition to scale production was marked by the inauguration of its GWh-class gigafactory in Taiwan in May 2024, with another facility under construction in Dunkirk, France. The Dunkirk plant aims to reach a 4.0 GWh annual production capacity by 2030, eventually achieving a capacity of up to 44 GWh.
The Gen4 cells boast an impressive energy density of 400 Wh/kg and an ultra-fast charging capability, reaching 80% charge in just 6.4 minutes. A TÜV test report has confirmed a gravimetric energy density of 381 Wh/kg for ProLogium’s 185.4 Ah large-format cell, part of their Gen 3.5 lineup.
ProLogium is moving beyond laboratory and pilot-scale development, with the mass production of the Gen 3.5 Lithium Ceramic Battery underway at its Taiwan facility. The company’s recent merger with Translational Development Acquisition Corp will further bolster its access to capital markets, aiding in its commercialization efforts.
Mercedes-Benz is also actively working with US-based Factorial Energy to bring solid-state battery technology to market. In a notable demonstration, a modified EQS achieved a remarkable range of over 745 miles on a single charge using these advanced battery cells.
Anticipating a launch by 2030, Mercedes plans to introduce its first EV equipped with solid-state batteries, as other automakers like BYD aim for a 2027 release. This collaboration and technological leap highlight Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to leading innovation in the EV sector.
Original Story at electrek.co