Author name: Cornelius Karow

Mercedes-Benz and ProLogium have signed an agreement to test a new generation of battery cells. The automaker will receive priority access to ProLogium’s so-called Gen4 cells. According to ProLogium, the technology is a lithium-ceramic battery designed to combine characteristics of solid-state and liquid-electrolyte batteries. Whether the technology will eventually be used in production vehicles remains open. The cells will first undergo extensive electrical, thermal, and safety testing. These tests will be carried out at Mercedes-Benz facilities and at external testing institutes. The automaker plans to use the results to assess the technology’s suitability for future vehicle applications. Gen4 battery aims to combine characteristics of solid-state and liquid-electrolyte batteries ProLogium refers to the technology as a “Superfluidized Inorganic Next-Generation Lithium Ceramic Battery.” According to the company, the Gen4 platform is intended to combine high energy density, high charging performance, and safety with scalable manufacturing. The design includes a non-flammable inorganic electrolyte, ceramic separators, and a proprietary safety mechanism. ProLogium also cites fast-charging capability, high power output, and good low-temperature performance. Partnership dates back about ten years Mercedes-Benz and ProLogium have been working together since 2016. The partnership has so far included development work and the testing of various cell formats. Mercedes-Benz is also an investor in ProLogium and is represented on the company’s board of directors. ProLogium operates a factory in Taoyuan, Taiwan, where, according to the company, manufacturing processes have been validated at GWh scale. The site produces cells for development vehicles and further testing, among other applications. At the same time, the company is building a facility in Dunkirk, France. The first phase is designed for 4 GWh of annual production capacity. In the long term, ProLogium is targeting up to 44 GWh. Source:https://prologium.com/mercedes-benz-and-prologium-have-entered-into-a-joint-testing-agreement-including-a-preliminary-platform-evaluation-of-of-prologiums-latest-gen4-superfluidized-all-inorganic-solid-state-batt/

Factorial Energy and Mitsui Kinzoku plan to jointly advance the industrialization of solid-state batteries. The collaboration centers on Factorial’s sulfide-based Solstice platform. Mitsui Kinzoku will contribute its solid sulfide electrolyte technology. The partnership primarily targets the transition from development to industrial manufacturing. According to Factorial, the company will remain responsible for cell design and process development. Its role also includes supply chain qualification, line integration, and manufacturing validation. Sulfide Electrolyte for Factorial’s Solstice Battery Mitsui Kinzoku has been developing sulfide electrolytes for solid-state batteries for several years. The company introduced its A-SOLiD electrolyte in 2016. A dedicated production facility is currently being established in Saitama, Japan. The Japanese company’s materials expertise will now be incorporated into Factorial’s Solstice platform. Factorial cites high energy density and improved thermal stability as development targets and characteristics of the platform. Factorial Moves Ahead With Commercialization Factorial reported its first commercial orders for passenger vehicle and aerospace applications in 2026. IQT and POSCO Future M have also invested in the company. Factorial listed on Nasdaq under the ticker FAC in June 2026. Before the listing, Factorial had tested its battery technology with companies including Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis. Source:https://ir.factorialenergy.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mitsui-kinzoku-partners-factorial-scale-all-solid-state-battery

Panasonic Energy has opened a new research and development site for lithium-ion batteries in Kadoma, Japan. The Energy Innovation Square is designed to bring together development activities ranging from new materials to cell design and prototyping at a single location. Around 500 employees from product planning, technology development, and analysis work at the site. The new center covers approximately 24,500 square meters across six floors. Its activities include materials development, prototyping, and analysis of lithium-ion cells. Shorter Path From Battery Cell to Mass Production Development and prototyping were previously spread across multiple sites. By consolidating these activities in Kadoma, Panasonic Energy aims to reduce transportation between facilities, among other measures. According to the company, this is expected to shorten development lead times for the relevant process steps by at least 15%. A new digital infrastructure is also intended to combine data from simulations and physical testing. Process monitoring and statistical analysis are expected to support further improvements in simulation accuracy and cell design. Development for Electric Vehicles and Data Centers Battery technologies and manufacturing processes developed at the site are also intended to be transferred to the company’s international production facilities. Panasonic Energy specifically cites its plants in Nevada and Kansas. The move comes as requirements for battery storage systems become increasingly diverse. According to the company, electric vehicles require batteries with high capacity and durability, while AI data center applications demand higher power output. Panasonic Energy also identifies drones, robotaxis, and humanoid robots as potential future applications for its batteries. Source:https://news.panasonic.com/global/press/en260916-3