Hyundai Motor Group Nearing Solid-State Battery Testing for Electric Vehicles

Hyundai Motor Group, one of the world’s largest car manufacturers, is edging closer to testing electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with solid-state batteries in partnership with Factorial Energy, a US-based solid-state battery developer. While not disclosing the names of their auto partners, Factorial Energy confirmed that they have already delivered solid-state battery cells to multiple original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), alluding to positive feedback from the automakers.

Factorial Energy’s founder and chief technology officer, Alex Yu, highlighted the advantageous features of their solid-state battery cells, such as fast charging capabilities, high energy densities, and enhanced safety measures. He mentioned that the battery can be charged from 10 percent to 90 percent in just 18 minutes, providing a range of approximately 300 miles or 500 kilometers. Yu expressed confidence in their product, projecting a milestone achievement of demonstrating 1,000 cycles on the 100 Ah batteries by the end of the year.

Hyundai Motor Group had previously announced its collaboration with Factorial Energy and made an undisclosed investment in the battery developer. The Korean automaker aims to commence EV test production with solid-state batteries in 2025 and plans to enter mass production by 2030.

While acknowledging the lengthy process of EV testing involving A-samples, B-samples, C-samples, and D-samples, Yu indicated that the interest and demand from OEMs are high, with positive results from A-sample validation leading to the progression to B-samples. He expressed optimism regarding an imminent announcement.

With EV transition plans being adjusted worldwide due to the deceleration in EV sector growth, Yu emphasized the important role of solid-state batteries in expanding the EV market. The improved efficiency, safety, and performance of solid-state batteries make them a favorable choice for future EVs. The commitment of Samsung SDI to deliver solid-state batteries by 2027 was regarded as positive news for Factorial Energy and the solid-state battery community as a whole.

Factorial Energy operates not only in the US but also in Germany, Japan, and South Korea, where their Korean battery facility in Cheonan produces A-samples and validates equipment. The company has established strong ties with more than a dozen suppliers from Korea, thus integrating itself into the Korean battery ecosystem.

FAQs about Solid-State Batteries in Electric Vehicles (EVs)

1. What is Factorial Energy?
Factorial Energy is a US-based solid-state battery developer that has partnered with Hyundai Motor Group to develop and test solid-state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).

2. What are the advantages of solid-state battery cells?
Solid-state battery cells offer several advantages, including fast charging capabilities, high energy densities, and enhanced safety measures. They can be charged from 10 percent to 90 percent in just 18 minutes, providing a range of approximately 300 miles or 500 kilometers.

3. Has Factorial Energy delivered solid-state batteries to any automakers?
Yes, Factorial Energy has delivered solid-state battery cells to multiple original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), though the specific automakers have not been disclosed. The company has received positive feedback from the automakers.

4. What is the timeline for Hyundai Motor Group’s EV test production with solid-state batteries?
Hyundai Motor Group plans to commence EV test production with solid-state batteries in 2025 and aims to enter mass production by 2030.

5. How are EV testing samples progressing?
EV testing typically involves A-samples, B-samples, C-samples, and D-samples. Factorial Energy has indicated that positive results from A-sample validation have led to the progression to B-samples, indicating interest and demand from OEMs.

6. Why are solid-state batteries important for expanding the EV market?
Solid-state batteries offer improved efficiency, safety, and performance compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. They are considered a favorable choice for future EVs and play an important role in expanding the EV market.

7. What is the commitment of Samsung SDI to solid-state batteries?
Samsung SDI, a leading battery maker, has committed to delivering solid-state batteries by 2027. This commitment is seen as positive news for Factorial Energy and the solid-state battery community as a whole.

8. Where does Factorial Energy operate?
Factorial Energy operates not only in the US but also in Germany, Japan, and South Korea. Their Korean battery facility in Cheonan produces A-samples and validates equipment. The company has established strong ties with Korean suppliers and integrated itself into the Korean battery ecosystem.

Related Links:
Hyundai Motor Group
Factorial Energy
Samsung SDI