Stellantis, the multinational automotive group behind brands such as Vauxhall, Peugeot, and Fiat, has announced that it has successfully integrated solid-state batteries into a working electric vehicle prototype. The test vehicle, based on the Dodge Charger Daytona, uses battery cells developed by Factorial Energy, a US start-up in which Stellantis holds a strategic stake.
Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte found in conventional lithium-ion cells with a solid material, typically a ceramic or polymer. This design is widely regarded as the next frontier in EV technology because it offers higher energy density, reduced fire risk, and faster charging times. Stellantis said the prototype achieved a range increase of roughly 30% over an equivalent lithium-ion pack, though it did not disclose the exact mileage.
The announcement comes as European and UK automakers face mounting pressure to lower costs and extend the range of electric vehicles to win over mainstream buyers. Currently, many consumers cite range anxiety and charging times as key barriers to switching from petrol and diesel cars. Solid-state batteries are expected to address both issues, though mass production remains several years away.
Stellantis has not provided a timeline for when solid-state batteries might appear in production vehicles. Industry analysts at BloombergNEF have previously estimated that widespread commercial deployment is unlikely before 2028. The company is also working with other battery partners, including Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution, to secure supply chains for its upcoming EV platforms.
For UK motorists, the development is a promising sign that British brands under the Stellantis umbrella — including Vauxhall, which manufactures electric vans at its Ellesmere Port plant — could eventually benefit from the technology. However, the immediate impact on showroom models is minimal, as the test programme remains at an early stage. Source: Stellantis press release, Factorial Energy.