Solid-state magic: Mercedes-Benz’s EQS covers 1,205 km on single charge

German automaker Mercedes-Benz has successfully tested solid-state battery technology for EVs with a remarkable outcome.

In a press release on 9 September, the company said the test was carried out using a lightly modified EQS vehicle that covered 1,205 km on a single charge.

This represents a major improvement from the existing battery technology used for electric vehicles the world over.

The future of EV mobility

Electric vehicles have become increasingly popular, but the battery life of such vehicles has been a major drawback.

The range of most electric vehicles can hardly take the driver on a long drive and back without needing to recharge along the way. Mercedes-Benz’s battery technology is however set to change that.

Developed with Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) and cells from the U.S.based solid-state cell manufacturer Factorial Energy, the solid-state battery shows promise of revolutionizing EV range.

The EQS was equipped with a lithium-metal solid-state battery and completed the 1,205-kilometer trip from Stuttgart in Germany to Malmö in Sweden, surpassing the previous record set by the Vision EQXX.

According to the company, the test proves that the technology performs not only in the lab but also on the road.

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement said:

“The solid-state battery is a true gamechanger for electric mobility. With the successful long-distance drive of the EQS, we show that this technology delivers not only in the lab but also on the road. Our goal is to bring innovations like this into series production by the end of the decade and offer our customers a new level of range and comfort.”

After the end of the test, the car still had another 137 km range left, which is a milestone for solid-state battery development and highlights its potential for future production vehicles.