What if recharging your electric car took the time to make a coffee? Stellantis is taking up the challenge with its new solid-state batteries, capable of going from 15 to 90% in 18 minutes flat.
Stellantis has just reached a key milestone in the development of its new-generation batteries. In collaboration with the startup Factorial, the group has validated solid cells for automotive use, with one goal: to equip a test fleet by 2026. Called FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology), this technology promises to overcome two anxieties of electric vehicle drivers: recharge time and autonomy.
Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, which use a liquid electrolyte, FEST cells rely on a quasi-solid electrolyte, a lithium metal anode and a high-capacity cathode. The result? An energy density of 375 Wh/kg, enough to last more than 600 full charge cycles. And above all, a "full" from 15 to 90% in 18 minutes, even at room temperature. This is one of the big advantages of solid-state batteries.
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Batteries (almost) insensitive to the weather
Another advantage: these batteries can withstand extremes. Tested between -30°C and 45°C, they maintain their performance intact, avoiding drops in power in winter or overheating in summer. Their discharge can also increase in power (up to 4C), enough to boost the acceleration of future Stellantis electric models.
But the race is tight. Hyundai, Mercedes and Honda are also working on solid-state batteries for 2026-2028, while Toyota is aiming for a range of 1,000 km by 2028. Meanwhile, China is moving fast: CATL and BYD are already promising recharges in... 5 minutes.
For Siyu Huang, CEO of Factorial, the feat lies in the balance between speed, safety and lifespan. A successful bet according to Stellantis, which wants to get ahead of its rivals. It remains to be seen whether these promises will hold up on the road. In the meantime, we will have to be patient, since we will have to wait a few more years before seeing these solid batteries adopted in electric cars.
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