Factorial Energy opens largest solid-state battery assembly line in the U.S.

Solid-state battery developer Factorial Energy has announced that its new state-of-the-art factory in Massachusetts has begun operations. The new facility is a key milestone as Factorial looks to expand its solid-state technology into electric vehicles.

Factorial Energy is a Massachusetts-based solid-state battery developer that has spent the past decade developing and ultimately producing the energy-dense technology for electric vehicle propulsion applications.

The company caught our attention in January at CES when it unveiled a 100 amp-hour (Ah) prototype of its flagship product, the Factorial Electrolyte System Technology (FEST) solid-state battery. This patented battery technology is compatible with existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing equipment, allowing automakers to seamlessly transition to advanced batteries.

By May, Factorial said the solid-state batteries were certified to start shipping to automakers for testing before integration into new electric vehicle models, with samples likely to be sent to joint venture partners such as Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai Motor Group and Stellantis (Factorial would not comment on those ventures).

With the launch of the A-Sample battery, Factorial has begun production at a brand new factory in its home state, which is likely to be the largest assembly line for solid-state battery technology in the United States.

Factorial Energy's new battery facility begins operations

Factorial Corporation shared details of its new state-of-the-art facility this morning ahead of an opening ceremony in the Boston suburb of Methuen, Mass., attended by Governor Maura Healey and Methuen Mayor Neil Perry.

The plant, located near its current R&D facility and headquarters, represents a $50 million investment in the state and creates up to 150 new jobs. The site’s current footprint provides space for a 200MWh assembly line, which is expected to be the largest solid-state battery assembly line in the United States.

Factorial CEO Siyu Huang said of the latest battery milestone today:

“We are excited to open our next-generation battery factory in Massachusetts as we move toward mass production of battery cells. The factory will enable us to produce cells that meet the needs of our automotive partners and advance our mission to commercialize solid-state batteries. As an American company, we are also proud to contribute to advances in electric vehicle battery manufacturing and battery innovation for a differentiated supply chain.”

With the new factory now operational, Factorial appears to be on track to quickly achieve mass pre-production of solid-state battery technology, laying the foundation for eventual large-scale production and sales of actual electric vehicle models.

(Source: Factorial Energy Global Energy Storage Network, Global Lithium Battery Network, New Energy Network Comprehensive)