Yahoo Autos Stellantis Set to Test Solid-State Batteries in Dodge Charger EVs
Stellantis is planning to roll out solid-state batteries — a technology that has the potential to be a massive step forward for electric cars — to the Dodge Charger Daytona EV in as little as two years' time. The ambitious goal will take the form of a demonstration fleet set to hit the road in 2026, thanks to a partnership with solid-state producer Factorial.
In case you're unfamiliar with why this is a big deal, here's a quick refresher. Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte, replacing both the volatile liquid electrolyte and the need for a separator used in modern lithium-ion batteries. In theory, such a battery would both offer greater density of energy storage and make an EV safer in the event of a fire.
The brands say that Factorial's solid-state batteries produce a specific energy density of 390 Wh/kg, a substantial jump over the density of around 250 Wh/kg seen in more typical EV battery packs. That difference should enable these electric Chargers to be lighter and more efficient than the production models rolling off the line at launch.
Keep in mind, of course, a demonstration car is not the same as a production car. The fleet of test vehicles will allow Stellantis to see the strengths and weaknesses of the technology up close over the life cycle of a vehicle, then determine whether it can be adapted for a mass-production run. If the Factorial batteries are viable, the next challenge will be scaling up production in a manner that makes large-scale sale of solid-state battery-equipped cars both feasible and affordable.
The Charger Daytona is on the STLA Large platform, so the lessons learned here can theoretically apply directly to new cars set to launch on the platform across the brand's entire lineup. This demo fleet could be the first step toward solid state batteries in Jeeps, Maseratis, and Citroens. First, though, the brand needs to get these cars on the road.
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