SK On and Factorial Energy announced a new alliance that will focus on bringing solid-state batteries to the masses.
SK On and Factorial team up on solid-state EV batteries
Solid-state batteries have the potential to deliver significantly higher energy density, longer driving ranges, and faster charging than traditional lithium-ion batteries, but manufacturing them at scale remains a challenge.
Finding a solid electrolyte that’s conductive and won’t crack or break still poses a challenge, and manufacturing them can be expensive.
South Korea’s SK On and US-based Factorial Energy will pool their resources in an effort to manufacture solid-state batteries at scale.
The two signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) on Wednesday to bring Factorial’s solid-state cell technology to SK On’s global manufacturing network.
One of the main priorities of the new partnership is to assess whether and how SK On’s manufacturing facilities and battery plants can support the development of future solid-state batteries.
Under the new alliance, the two will work together, using Factorial’s FEST solid-state battery tech and SK On’s battery and manufacturing expertise, to determine whether it’s feasible.
“A battery breakthrough only matters if it can be manufactured at scale,” Factorial’s CEO, Siyu Huang, said after announcing the partnership with SK On.
Manufacturing the breakthrough batteries at scale
Huang added that SK On’s “manufacturing footprint spans some of the world’s most advanced battery facilities, and their expertise will be critical in shaping how solid-state battery technology integrates into global production ecosystems.”
Meanwhile, Factorial’s high-energy density batteries enable smaller, lighter, and more efficient solutions for electric vehicles, energy storage, defense, and more.
Last month, Factorial announced it had begun testing its FEST solid-state battery cells in North America through a collaboration with Stellantis. The cells were integrated into Stellantis’ STLA Large platform and used to power a Dodge Charger Daytona prototype.
Stellantis said last year that Factorial’s 77Ah FEST cells achieved an energy density of 375 Wh/kg over more than 600 cycles.
The cells delivered ultra-fast charging from 15% to 90% in 18 minutes while maintaining performance in extreme temperatures ranging from -22°F to 113°F (-30°C to 45°C). Factorial’s solid-state cells achieved a discharge rate of up to 4C.
Factorial is working with major automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis, to commercialize solid-state EV batteries.
Last fall, Mercedes-Benz drove a modified EQS over 745 miles (1,200 km) using Factorial’s solid-state battery cells. Mercedes’ tech boss, Markus Schäfer, is already calling Factorial’s battery tech a potential “gamechanger” for EVs.
SK On, on the other hand, supplies EV batteries to Hyundai Motor Group, Ford, and Volkswagen. The battery giant has over 200 GWh of annual production capacity globally, including about 100 GWh in the US alone.
The new alliance comes after Factoral announced a partnership with South Korea’s POSCO FUTURE M to develop materials for all-solid-state batteries last December.
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