Mercedes-Benz really didn’t come to play in the electric car segment and revealed in which area it will invest part of the millions set aside to become a reference in the sector, a place that is now occupied by Tesla: in the development of batteries.
The German brand has partnered with ProLogium, a company specializing in the design of solid-state batteries. The purpose of the agreement is clear: technological cooperation to develop next-generation battery cells.
According to Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer at Mercedes, the brand wants to be 100% electric by 2030 and the plan is to find a lighter, smaller and more efficient solid-state battery for this type of car.
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“We believe that range and efficiency are the new industry benchmarks for electric cars. Solid state technology helps reduce battery size and weight. That’s why we are partnering with companies like ProLogium to ensure that Mercedes-Benz continues to break new ground in the automotive sector.”
New Mercedes battery causes “envy” at Tesla
The smaller, more efficient battery for electric cars being developed by Mercedes-Benz caught the attention of Martin Eberhard, co-founder of Tesla.
According to Elon Musk’s partner, it is one of the best ever made and, in addition to safety and performance, it has an extra advantage over the others: ease of recycling.
“The ProLogium cells have some of the best technical solutions I’ve seen in the industry. The battery is safe, has great performance, high charging power and good construction. All without sacrificing energy density and at a competitive price. In my opinion, it is the best solid-state battery for automotive use,” he decreed.
The total value of Mercedes’ investment in the new partnership was not disclosed, but it exceeds US$ 300 million and still gives the German automaker the right to be present on ProLogium’s Board of Directors. The idea is that the commercialization of the new solid-state batteries will start in the next few years, probably in 2025.
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