Factorial ships solid-state battery cells

Massachusetts-based battery tech company Factorial Energy has spent the last six years focused on solid-state electric vehicle batteries that are safer and have up to 50% higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries, all while driving down costs to be competitive with conventional EV battery pricing.

The company's flagship product is its proprietary Factorial Electrolyte System Technology (FEST), which utilizes a solid-state electrolyte designed to perform safely and reliably with high-capacity cathode and anode materials.

Designs have now been scaled into larger than 100 ampere-hour lithium-metal, solid-state battery cells that work at room temperature and are compatible with existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing equipment, enabling automakers to seamlessly transition to their use.

The FEST solid-state cells are the first of their kind to be UN certified to ship for testing and integration into new EV models. This month, samples are making their way to a few of the company's automotive partners around the globe.

"[T]his marks another major milestone and demonstrates our progress towards commercialization," said Factorial Energy CEO Siyu Huang. "Factorial is committed to meeting automotive timelines and producing solid-state batteries that meet the industry's highest standards. We continue to be at the forefront of building a disruptive product and are excited for our solid-state battery technology to enable automakers to offer higher-performing and safer electric vehicles to customers."

Factorial already has joint development projects with global automakers Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Hyundai, but the company has not specified which OEMs will receive the cells for testing.

A new research and development facility is also in development near Boston, undergoing extensive buildout to house Factorial's pilot facility dedicated to the production of FEST cells for its automotive partners.

"We are thrilled to see Factorial Energy expanding operations in its home state," said Massachusetts Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. "Massachusetts remains a leader in innovation, and as the electric mobility industry grows, this new advanced manufacturing facility in the Gateway City of Methuen will play an important role delivering the solid-state batteries that will power our transition to clean energy while creating jobs here in the Commonwealth."

Featuring a state-of-the-art dry room and wet lab, the facility will be equipped to manufacture battery cells at mass production speed and volume. Factorial has also partnered with South Korean metal refining company Young Poong to implement lithium-metal recycling into its production practices and plans to leverage its new facility to expand its products and capitalize on any future growth opportunities.

"We plan to continue building solid-state EV battery research and development facilities in New England and establish the region as a hub for electric mobility technology," Huang said.