Detroit, USA, October 24, 2024 – Stellantis has announced plans to deploy a demonstration fleet of Dodge Charger Daytona models equipped with solid-state batteries from Factorial by 2026. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the development and testing of Factorial’s solid-state battery technology under real-world driving conditions, as Stellantis and Factorial strengthen their ongoing collaboration in advancing next-generation electric vehicle (EV) solutions.
Stellantis has been working closely with Factorial since investing $75 million in the U.S.-based battery developer in 2021. This partnership, which also includes Mercedes-Benz, aims to bring solid-state batteries to market faster and is a key part of Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, which focuses on accelerating the global adoption of electric vehicles.
The upcoming demonstration fleet of the Dodge Charger Daytona will play a crucial role in validating Factorial’s proprietary ‘FEST’ solid-state battery technology. These demo units will be used to assess the battery’s performance, efficiency, and durability under everyday driving conditions, helping Stellantis and Factorial gather valuable insights. Although the number of demo vehicles has not been specified, this initiative should not be confused with a commercial vehicle rollout, which remains in development.
The Dodge Charger Daytona, a performance-oriented electric muscle car, is based on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, a key component of the company’s plan to support a wide range of electric vehicles across brands such as Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati. Initially introduced in early 2024, the two-door Charger Daytona will be followed by a four-door version in 2025, both manufactured at Stellantis’ Windsor plant in Ontario, Canada. The STLA Large platform was selected for this solid-state battery demonstration due to its capacity to accommodate high-volume electric SUVs and performance vehicles, with the potential to support up to two million vehicles globally.
Factorial’s solid-state batteries offer numerous advantages over conventional lithium-ion batteries, including higher energy density, improved performance, reduced weight, and the potential for long-term cost savings. With a specific energy density of 390 Wh/kg, Factorial’s FEST technology is expected to significantly enhance the performance and range of EVs.
“We are honored to be part of this journey with Stellantis to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles,” said Siyu Huang, CEO and co-founder of Factorial. “We believe solid-state technology can play a crucial role in enabling the next generation of EVs with improved performance and reduced costs.”
Ned Curic, Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, also emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “By integrating Factorial’s innovative battery solution into the STLA Large platform, we are validating its potential to enhance our electric vehicle lineup, ensuring customers benefit from improved performance, longer driving ranges, and faster charging times in the coming years.”
In addition to its collaboration with Stellantis, Factorial has also been working closely with Mercedes-Benz. In mid-September, Factorial presented the current status of its solid-state battery technology developed in partnership with Mercedes. The product is expected to be market-ready by the end of the decade. Mercedes-Benz is a key development partner and customer for this solid-state battery technology.
Factorial’s partnerships extend beyond Stellantis and Mercedes. Hyundai-Kia is also part of the company’s growing list of collaborators. Factorial opened its first development and production facility near Boston in late 2023, with a production capacity of 200 MWh, making it the largest solid-state battery production line in the U.S. to date. This facility was funded in part by a $200 million financing round led by Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz in early 2022.
As the global demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, Stellantis and Factorial are positioning themselves at the forefront of solid-state battery innovation, aiming to bring enhanced performance, longer driving ranges, and cost efficiency to the next generation of EVs.
