Stellantis, Factorial road-test solid-state EV cells
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- Stellantis and Factorial began road-testing solid-state EV batteries in North America for the first time, installing FEST cells in a Dodge Charger Daytona development vehicle on Stellantis' STLA Large platform.
- FEST cells achieved 375 Wh/kg energy density with 600+ cycles, charge from 15% to 90% in 18 minutes, operate from -22°F to 113°F (-30°C to 45°C), and deliver a discharge rate up to 4C.
- Factorial's solid-state cells powered a modified Mercedes-Benz EQS over 745 miles (1,200 km) in September and are rated to deliver 50% more range — over 600 miles on a single charge.
- Factorial CEO Siyu Huang said the milestone "sets a new bar for what automotive-grade solid-state batteries can deliver" and supports development of future vehicles.
- Factorial began trading on Nasdaq under ticker "FAC" this week after a roughly $1.3 billion SPAC merger with Cartesian Growth Corp III, receiving about $110 million, and also partners with Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Kia while eyeing robotics, aerospace, and defense markets.
Why it matters: The Dodge Charger test gives Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Kia their first real-world data on automotive-grade FEST cells, while Factorial's roughly $1.3 billion Nasdaq listing (via Cartesian Growth Corp III) injects about $110 million in capital needed to move the tech from a development mule toward commercial production.
