Solid-state batteries, Mercedes-Benz to partner with Taiwanese specialist ProLogium
Under the agreement, Mercedes-Benz will take a seat on the ProLogium board of directors. The investment by Mercedes-Benz will be used to support the development of the technology and ProLogium’s plan of establishing production capacity in Europe.
Mercedes-Benz and Taiwanese player ProLogium are about to become partners in order to better develop solid-state battery cells technology. Indeed, the two groups have been cooperating in the latest years, so that the very first Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries will be released in the coming years. In December, the German manufacturer had announced a similar agreement with Factorial Energy.
We believe that range and efficiency are the new industry benchmarks for electric cars. Solid-state technology helps to cut down battery size and weight. This is why we are partnering with companies like ProLogium to ensure that Mercedes-Benz continues to break new ground in the automotive sector – for the benefit of our customers
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Procurement
Mercedes-Benz and ProLogium: a key agreement for electrification targets
Mercedes-Benz, involved in the spin-off of Daimler Truck & Bus at the end of last year, plans to go all electric by 2030, as stated by the top management. R&D activities in the field of batteries are quite crucial in order to meet such target. ProLogium is expected to be a strong partner, then, as it is the first battery company to mass produce solid-state lithium ceramic batteries. By the end of 2022, ProLogium will complete the establishment of a GWh plant near Taipei, followed by capacity expansion plans in major markets worldwide. Under the agreement, Mercedes-Benz will take a seat on the ProLogium board of directors. The investment by Mercedes-Benz will be used to support the development of the technology and ProLogium’s plan of establishing production capacity in Europe.
High expectations for solid-state battery cells
Solid-state battery cells are one of the key levers for determining cost, scalability and energy density in the area of electric vehicle batteries. The solid-state electrolyte allows for the use of materials with high storage capacity, high-ionic conductivity, and higher chemical stability. The innovative materials and design of solid-state batteries can almost double the range of today’s conventional lithium-ion battery cells.
«We have been working with Mercedes-Benz on the testing of our EV battery cells since 2016 and are excited to strengthen and expand our partnership», said Vincent Yang, CEO and Founder of ProLogium Technology. «We expect to work with Mercedes-Benz to demonstrate the effective application of our safe, high-performance solid-state battery cells to meet the Mercedes-Benz top quality standards. At ProLogium, we believe that innovative technology must be backed by the scalability of production. We look forward to ramping up our new plant by the end of 2022 and working with our customers toward successful mass production».
