In a significant leap towards electrifying the automotive industry, Stellantis has announced plans to deploy a "demonstration fleet" of Dodge Charger Daytonas equipped with semi-solid-state battery technology by 2026. This move marks a crucial step towards making solid-state EVs a reality for consumers.
The demo fleet, built on Stellantis' STLA Large EV platform, will showcase the benefits of semi-solid-state batteries, including lighter weight, increased energy density, and potentially lower production costs. If successful, this technology could trickle down to other brands under the Stellantis umbrella, such as Maserati and Jeep.
Stellantis' partner, Factorial, claims its semi-solid-state tech can boost EV range by up to 50% compared to current electric cars. The hybrid approach, which combines liquid electrolytes with solid-state components, mitigates the fire risk associated with traditional lithium batteries.
This development is a testament to the progress being made in solid-state battery technology, an area where other companies, such as Nissan and Fisker, have faced setbacks. Meanwhile, industry giants like Hyundai, Mercedes, and Toyota are also investing in similar tech, with plans to integrate it into their EV lineups in the near future.