- SK On could build solid-state batteries at its current lithium-ion factories.
- Advanced solid-state batteries have the chance of reinventing the EV industry.
- Mercedes, Stellantis, and Karma are already testing Factorial’s tech.
Factorial Energy, one of the most promising battery companies in the United States, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korean battery leader SK On to explore large-scale production of advanced new solid-state batteries. As the EV industry pushes forward, deals like this have the potential to change the market.
Through the MoU, the companies will explore the technical feasibility and manufacturing considerations for Factorial’s FEST solid-state batteries. Although the company may not be as well-known as some other battery firms, like CATL, it’s the firm behind the solid-state batteries being tested by Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Karma, and others.
Read: New Solid-State Batteries From Mercedes And Factorial Could Boost EV Range By 80%
While solid-state battery technology has come a long way in recent years, it has yet to be commercialized at scale. SK On already operates a massive manufacturing footprint for lithium-ion batteries and could be the perfect partner for Factorial, helping its cells reach the mass market.
“A battery breakthrough only matters if it can be manufactured at scale,” Factorial chief executive Siyu Huang said. “That is what makes this partnership with SK On so significant. Their manufacturing footprint spans some of the world’s most advanced battery facilities, and their expertise will be critical in shaping how solid-state battery technology integrates into global production ecosystems.”
The Solid-State Future
Factorial notes that it has never been focused on manufacturing its solid-state batteries alone, or at dedicated facilities. Instead, it’s all about developing new battery technologies that can leverage existing manufacturing infrastructure. In addition to working on solid-state batteries for cars, it’s also looking to work with SK On to use these batteries in the mobility and high-performance markets, as well as energy storage.
Many view solid-state batteries as the next frontier in automotive technologies. Several car manufacturers in China are getting close to producing solid-state cells at scale, as are Japanese firms, including Toyota.
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