According to Mercedes’ plans, electric cars are set to experience enormous progress in the coming years. The Swabian automaker has now announced that a completely new battery technology is to be brought to market maturity before 2030. This innovation could bring about significant changes in both driving range and purchase costs.
Mercedes aims to mass-produce new batteries
The so-called solid-state battery is considered something of a miracle cure for electric cars. It promises more kilometers on a single charge, lower costs, and faster charging overall. According to Automobilwoche, Mercedes’ head of development, Markus Schäfer, said: “We assume that we can bring the technology into series production before the end of the decade.”
Mercedes is already working with the US company Factorial to develop the new battery. Initial tests are already underway in a modified EQS. According to Mercedes, the electric cars should achieve up to 25 percent more range with it.
“Needs new chemistry at its core”
Instead of a liquid solution, solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte, which makes the battery lighter, safer, and more powerful, Ecomento reports. But there are also problems: Especially the silicon anodes change their shape during charging, which could ultimately shorten the lifespan of the batteries.
Mercedes wants to significantly reduce the cost of electric cars with this battery. Schäfer explained that today’s battery types are not sufficient for this: “This requires new chemistry at its core.” This is especially true since other parts, such as motors or axles, are already almost at their limit.
Added to this is the issue of raw material problems. Although lithium is currently cheap, Schäfer expects prices to rise. For Mercedes, the direction for electric cars seems clear: New technologies like the solid-state battery should help make electric vehicles even better and more affordable in the future.
Sources: Automobilwoche, Ecomento