1000 km range for future electric Mercedes!

Mercedes inaugurates a new era with its solid electrolyte battery, which begins real-world testing.

Mercedes has unveiled a technological advancement in electric mobility with the integration of a solid electrolyte battery in a modified EQS prototype. This project, carried out in collaboration with Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP), the entity responsible for F1 engines, aims to improve efficiency, increase range by 25%, and enhance battery safety. Road tests began in February 2025.

Solid-state batteries are characterized by the use of a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte. This design improves safety, increases energy density, and allows for the use of lithium-metal anodes. These batteries can achieve a gravimetric energy density of 450 Wh/kg, which helps to extend the range of electric vehicles while reducing their weight. With a capacity similar to that of the standard EQS (118 kWh), the prototype offers a range of over 1,000 km, compared to 800 km for the current EQS 450+. A passive cooling system also optimizes thermal management and overall efficiency.

The Contribution of Competition

Mercedes claims to have called upon engineers from its division specializing in Formula 1 technologies, who played a central role in the development of this battery. The expertise gained from competition has facilitated the accelerated transfer of innovations to mass-market applications. This synergy highlights the positive impact of motorsport on the industry when a virtuous approach takes precedence over spectacle.

The preliminary tests conducted in Stuttgart in late 2024 prepared for the real-world trials that began in 2025. Mercedes will continue laboratory and road testing in the coming months to refine this promising technology. With improved performance and increased range, solid-state batteries are expected to represent a major step forward in the evolution of electric vehicles.

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