Mercedes-Benz EQS Proves Solid-State EV Range Breakthrough
Mercedes-Benz sets new benchmarks in electric mobility with a compelling demonstration drive that shows the everyday usability of future battery technology. Engineers used a lightly modified EQS test vehicle equipped with a lithium-metal solid-state battery. At the end of August, it completed a 1,205-kilometre trip from Stuttgart, Germany, to Malmö, Sweden, without a single charging stop. This real-world achievement demonstrates that the technology performs effectively both on the road and in the lab. The EQS also surpassed the previous record set by the Vision EQXX on its Stuttgart to Silverstone route by three kilometres (Link Media Site) and still arrived in Malmö with a remaining range of 137 km. This blend of long range, efficiency and technological maturity marks a milestone for solid-state battery development in electric vehicles and signals strong potential for future production cars. As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz again demonstrates its ambition to shape the future of mobility through pioneering EV innovation.
Following the announcement of road testing in February (Link Media Site), the Stuttgart to Malmö drive formed part of a comprehensive validation programme for solid-state battery technology at Mercedes-Benz. Alongside digital simulations and testing at state-of-the-art facilities in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim and Sindelfingen, the team is testing the vehicle and battery under real-world conditions on public roads. The goal is to assess overall vehicle performance across different climate zones and route profiles and to accelerate the path to series production. The recent long-distance trip adds an authentic range scenario to this programme and strengthens confidence in solid-state EV technology.
The route followed highways A7 and E20 through Germany and Denmark to Malmö, Sweden. Electric Intelligence calculated the optimal route by factoring in topography, traffic, ambient temperature and the energy needed for heating and cooling, and it avoided ferries. The result showcases how software and battery innovation together enhance electric car efficiency, charging strategy and real-world EV range.
“The solid-state battery is a true game-changer 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.” Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement.
Mercedes-Benz developed the solid-state battery system in close collaboration with Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, UK, the Formula 1 technology centre of the Mercedes-Benz Group. U.S. company Factorial Energy manufactures the lithium-metal cells and utilises FEST technology (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology), which supports advancements in EV energy density and durability.
To manage the volume changes typical of this cell chemistry and to maintain the required contact pressure, the solid-state battery uses pneumatic actuators that respond to cell expansion and contraction during charging and discharging. Engineers increased the usable energy content by 25% while maintaining the battery’s weight and size comparable to those of the standard EQS pack. Passive airflow cooling further enhances energy efficiency and helps regulate mass, solidifying the EQS as a long-range electric car that leverages cutting-edge solid-state battery research to deliver credible road performance.
