Mercedes Achieves 1,000 KM Of EV Range

Mercedes-Benz has experimented with new battery technology enabling 1,000 KM of range on its flagship EQS sedan. This advancement is made possible through the integration of a new solid-state battery technology, co-developed with Factorial Energy.

Solid-State Batteries Explained

The EQS Sedan prototype features a solid-state high-voltage battery enhancing efficiency and range. This technology delivers a 25% increase in range compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries of similar size. It includes a floating cell carrier and pneumatic actuators, tweaked by engineers from Mercedes-Benz’s Formula 1 team. These components help manage the thermal expansion of the battery materials, crucial for long-term reliability.

The operation of solid-state batteries is similar to that of lithium-ion batteries. They consist of two electrodes: an anode and a cathode, with a solid electrolyte between them; unlike liquid electrolytes as present in conventional batteries.
The choice of materials for the solid electrolyte is crucial. Options include ceramics and polymers, each with distinct properties that affect battery performance. Ceramic electrolytes tend to offer higher ionic conductivity and thermal stability compared to their polymer counterparts
Solid-state batteries can operate effectively across a wider range of temperatures and voltages. They can function at temperatures exceeding 60°C, unlike traditional batteries that typically operate within a narrower range. This can make the vehicles more tolerant to extreme climates and temperatures, a known sore point of current electric vehicles.

Range & Performance

Details specifications haven’t been released yet, but the current EQS models already do offer impressive performance metrics. The existing EQS 580 4MATIC variant features a 107.8 kWh battery, delivering a range of about 857 KM under standard testing conditions. The anticipated solid-state version aims to push this boundary, exceeding the 1,000 KM mark. This is truly unprecedented range for an electric vehicle.
In terms of performance, the AMG EQS variant can produce up to 750 BHP, accelerating from 0-100 KM/H in just 3.4 seconds.

Future Prospects

Being the first electric car to have a four digit range, the automotive world anticipates the results of this test. Solid-state batteries could prove to be a solution to further alleviate range anxiety & make modern electric vehicles more resilient to adverse climate conditions, solving two major problems.