Racing Toward the Future
For years,Formula 1 has been a test bed for cutting-edge technology, and now, that expertise is shifting gears into road cars. Engineers from HPP in Brixworth, UK,alongside the Mercedes-Benz Center of Competence for Battery Systems, have designed and patented a next-generation solid-state battery pack. This innovation, featuring Factorial’s lithium-metal cell technology, has now been successfully integrated into a modified EQS—the first of its kind to hit the road.
Road tests kicked off in February 2025, marking a milestone for the automotive world: a 1,000km range electric vehicle powered by a solid-state battery.
Why Solid-State?
Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state technology swaps liquid electrolytes for a solid alternative, bringing game-changing benefits:
- Higher energy density—More power with less weight
- Increased safety—Reduced risk of overheating or fire
- Greater efficiency—Better performance with 25% more range
The test vehicle retains the luxury and tech-forward design of the EQS, but now packs a floating cell carrier that adapts to battery expansion and contraction, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Passive cooling further improves efficiency, pushing the vehicle beyond the 1,000 km (620-mile) range barrier—a major leap from the EQS 450+, which currently tops out at 800 km (497 miles).
From Lab to Reality
The road to mass adoption of solid-state batteries has been long, but Mercedes-Benz and Factorial Energy are proving the future isn’t just a concept—it’s already on the road. Over the coming months, further extensive lab and road testing will refine the technology for real-world application, moving us closer to a new era of ultra-efficient, long-range EVs.
Mercedes-Benz first partnered with Factorial in 2021, and after years of development, the first batch of FEST® (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) lithium-metal solid-state cells was delivered in 2024. Now, this pioneering tech is finally being put to the test—on actual roads, in actual cars.
Could this be the Tesla-killer moment the EV world has been waiting for? Time—and technology—will tell.
Stay tuned as we follow this game-changing innovation and what it means for the future of electric mobility.
Images Copyright: Mercedes Benz Media
