04 March 2022
Solid-state batteries aren’t a new technology, but obstacles remain for motor car applications, mainly manufacturing the batteries at the scale and durability required.
The incredible beauty of solid-state batteries is that it is a technology that can significantly improve range, charge times and, importantly, safety.
An American company, Mullen, is a Southern California-based automotive company traded on the NASDAQ Exchange recently, said, ‘It is developing a solid-state battery cell that could deliver a range of more than 600 miles from a battery pack with a 150-kilowatt-hour capacity. DC fast charging would also enable 300 miles of range in just 18 minutes.’
Mullen’s Five Crossover, due in 2024, will use the current liquid-type battery technology. The vehicle will be a testbed aimed at a ‘working model’ in 2025; assuming this is successful, Mullen isn’t anticipating making the technology available until nearer the decade’s end.
Other car manufacturers are developing their version of the technology VW Group expects to introduce in 2025, Nissan, 2028, whilst BMW and Mercedes-Benz indicate 2030. Toyota is planning to introduce it initially in their hybrid vehicles, meaning they may well be the first in the market.
As to Mullen, they claim that their Five Crossover using the liquid-type battery will be capable of propelling the vehicle, 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 155mph, certainly no sluggard.