Yahoo Autos Stellantis brings solid state tech to 670 horsepower Dodge Charger EV
Stellantis is taking another step forward in the EV race, partnering with Factorial to incorporate solid-state batteries into a demonstration fleet of Dodge Charger Daytona vehicles.
Based on Stellantis' STLA Large platform, this fleet will showcase Factorial’s solid-state battery technology in action by 2026. This innovation could significantly enhance the performance, range and charging speed of future EVs.
Dodge
The start of a new era for Stellantis EVs
The Stellantis-Factorial collaboration began in 2021, when Stellantis invested $75 million in the battery startup. Now, with this upcoming fleet, Stellantis aims to validate the technology in real-world conditions, marking an important milestone in the commercialization of solid-state batteries.
“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,” said Ned Curic, Stellantis's chief engineering and technology officer.
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The promise of solid-state batteries
Solid-state batteries are often hailed as a game-changer for electric vehicles. They offer a number of advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, starting with energy density.
Factorial claims that its solid-state technology is 33% smaller than traditional lithium-ion batteries. In a normal EV on the road today, an 80-kilowatt-hour battery pack weighs about 1,000 pounds, on average. By comparison, a solid-state battery from Factorial with the equivalent energy density would weigh a third of that, about 333 pounds. The weight reduction is a major boost for range and performance.
Rapid charging is another key benefit. Solid-state batteries are expected to charge much faster than their liquid-electrolyte counterparts, potentially cutting down charging times to just 10 to 15 minutes for a full charge.
Dodge
Problems of scale persist for solid-state battery technology
Still, the road to commercialization is filled with obstacles. Solid-state batteries are expensive to produce, and their construction relies heavily on lithium, a material already in short supply. As these batteries require higher quantities of pure lithium metal, the shortage may become more pronounced.
Recycling is also a major concern. While current lithium-ion batteries can be partially recycled, solid-state batteries lack an effective recycling solution, particularly for lithium and graphite. Despite these challenges, Stellantis remains confident that the technology will become more cost-effective over the next decade, ushering in a new era of high-performance electric vehicles.
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Final thoughts
Stellantis' decision to integrate solid-state batteries into the Dodge Charger Daytona demonstrates the company's commitment to staying at the front of the pack in the race toward next-gen electric vehicles.
While the advantages of solid-state technology — higher energy density, faster charging and reduced weight — are clear, the road ahead is still paved with challenges. Scaling up production, addressing material shortages and developing efficient recycling methods remain significant hurdles.
However, if Stellantis and Factorial can overcome these barriers, the 2026 demonstration fleet could pave the way for a new generation of high-performance, long-range EVs that set a new standard in the industry.
