Naphtha rPET – Mercedes: Solid-State Batteries “May Not Be Necessary” Solid-state batteries? For Mercedes, they might no longer be necessary given the progress of lithium-ion batteries 15-01-2024

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Mercedes: Solid-State Batteries “May Not Be Necessary” Solid-state batteries? For Mercedes, they might no longer be necessary given the progress of lithium-ion batteries

The technology of solid-state batteries may not be essential for future electric vehicles, as developments in lithium-ion batteries are surprisingly improving their energy density. Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer of Mercedes, emphasized that these improvements were unexpected, putting lithium-ion batteries in direct competition with solid-state batteries in terms of cost and energy density.

Solid-state batteries? For Mercedes, they might no longer be necessary given the progress of lithium-ion batteries. The technology of solid-state batteries has long been considered the next big innovation for battery electric vehicles, praised for its supposed higher energy density and lower costs. However, according to Schäfer, he does not see them having “a significant cost advantage or an energy advantage,” as many efforts have been devoted to improving conventional cells, making them significantly more efficient.

Mercedes’ executive acknowledged a safety advantage in solid-state battery technology but indicated that significant developments are also expected in lithium-ion battery technology. In this competition, the two technologies are advancing in a “head-to-head race,” and Schäfer stated that he does not yet know the winner. Currently, solid-state technology no longer seems to be the “big breakthrough” and faces a “long, long development time.” Schäfer also confirmed that Mercedes has invested in startups working on this technology in the United States and Korea, and continues to closely monitor developments in this sector.

However, Schäfer noted that the “very optimistic predictions from some time ago” about the potential launch of solid-state battery technology remind him of predictions for autonomous driving. This refers to the fact that autonomous driving has experienced delays, and the industry has subsequently revised projections regarding its adoption. Therefore, we will see what innovations Mercedes brings to this matter.