Mercedes-Benz has started testing an EQS equipped with lithium-metal solid-state battery technology, making it a pioneering model in the automobile industry.
The battery is under development by Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP), a division within Mercedes-Benz responsible for adapting Formula 1 technology for the brand, along with the Mercedes-Benz Center of Competence for Battery Systems.
Not only does HPP develop "leading-edge" F1 technology, but the automaker also claims that its subsidiary can adapt advanced F1 innovations for use in Mercedes-Benz initiatives frequently aimed at passenger cars.
What Mercedes-Benz is doing
Like all automakers focusing on electrification, Mercedes-Benz is trying to meet customer demand, which has evolved to encompass a longer range and faster charging.
As individuals purchase electric vehicles (EVs), they realize that certain amenities found in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles may be lacking.
Mercedes-Benz claims that its solid-state battery for the EQS can offer up to 25 percent greater range compared to the present model, using a battery of identical dimensions and mass.
Passive cooling reduces weight and boosts efficiency, according to the claim, aiding in reaching the coveted milestone of a 1,000-kilometer electric vehicle (620 miles). The present EQS model offers a range of 800 kilometers (497 miles).
What exactly is a solid-state battery?
Batteries consist of three components: the anode (negative end), cathode (positive end), and electrolyte (the intermediary section). When charged particles move from the cathode to the anode via the electrolyte, they generate electricity.
Conventional batteries contain a liquid or polymer electrolyte, making them susceptible to catching fire and exploding. In contrast, solid-state batteries utilize a solid electrolyte composed of readily available materials.
Solid-state batteries have the capability to charge more quickly, are at lower risk of igniting, and provide greater power due to their higher density.
In what ways is Mercedes-Benz adopting solid-state battery technology?
The main problem with solid-state batteries lies in their production process.
Producing them on a large scale has been challenging, which is why solid-state batteries aren’t yet found in the everyday gadgets you use.
Mercedes-Benz incorporated a battery featuring a lithium metal anode into its all-electric EQS model, claiming this technology offers "superior" energy density.
This solid-state battery reportedly has the capability to boost cell-level energy density up to 450 watt-hours per kilogram, enabling Mercedes-Benz to significantly extend the driving range without increasing weight or expanding the battery size.
Final thoughts
For many years, people have been eager to see solid-state batteries in electric vehicles. Mercedes-Benz’s prototype highlights the reasons behind this anticipation: it boasts extended range, rapid charging capabilities, reduced weight, and enhanced fire safety.
Producing solid-state batteries continues to be challenging during this early stage. For their prototype, Mercedes-Benz collaborated with Factorial to manufacture the battery according to their requirements.
This demonstration of their solid-state EQS serves as evidence that solid-state technology functions effectively.
We are uncertain about the process of producing solid-state batteries on an industrial scale and how costly they might become if extensively adopted within the automotive sector.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
