The Mercedes-Benz-backed battery manufacturer Farasis Energy plans to complete construction of a pilot production line for sulphide-based solid-state batteries by the end of 2025. This line will enable the company to deliver solid-state battery samples to customers.
The Chinese company aims to complete construction of the pilot production line with a capacity of 0.2 GWh by the end of 2025. Initially, it will manufacture samples of sulphide-based solid-state batteries with a capacity of 60 Ah for strategic partner customers. Solid-state batteries are expected to offer several advantages over lithium-ion batteries, particularly in terms of safety, energy density, and lifespan. However, they are not yet market-ready.
Around six months ago, Farasis reported significant progress in developing solid-state batteries, having sent its third-generation solid-state cells into practical testing. According to Farasis, existing customers as well as additional vehicle manufacturers have shown interest in the new solid-state batteries. The company therefore expects to expand sample deliveries to further customers soon. For this reason, Farasis plans to scale up solid-state battery production to gigawatt-hour capacity as early as 2026.
The sulphide-based solid-state batteries to be produced on the pilot line will feature a structure combining high-nickel ternary cathodes, soft pack designs, and stacked cell architecture. The anodes will have a high silicon or lithium-metal content, targeting an energy density of over 400 Wh/kg. The cells are currently undergoing practical testing and are reported to show stable cycle performance.
At the turn of the year, Farasis also announced that it is developing a further generation of solid-state batteries. Using an “oxide/polymer composite system” instead of a sulphide base, energy densities of up to 500 Wh/kg are expected – again with lithium-metal anodes and high-nickel cathodes.
Mercedes-Benz has supported Farasis since 2020, when the German manufacturer acquired a three per cent stake. Farasis batteries have long been used in Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles for the Chinese market, though these have not been solid-state batteries. Mercedes is therefore likely to be among the first partners to receive samples of Farasis’ new solid-state batteries. Other Farasis partners include Chinese automotive group Geely and Turkish manufacturer Togg.
