Bridging the Gap to Mass Production

Factorial Energy has officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with SK On, aiming to integrate its proprietary solid-state battery technology into SK On's extensive global manufacturing infrastructure. This strategic collaboration marks a significant advancement in the industry's effort to move beyond prototype testing and into high-volume manufacturing.


Solid-state batteries are widely viewed as the next frontier for electric vehicles, offering the potential for superior energy density, extended range, and rapid charging capabilities compared to current lithium-ion technology. However, the path to commercialization has been hindered by manufacturing complexities, specifically the difficulty of creating conductive solid electrolytes that remain durable under stress. By joining forces, these two companies aim to mitigate these technical and economic hurdles through shared expertise.


Strategic Goals and Manufacturing Expertise

The primary focus of this alliance is to evaluate how SK On’s current production facilities can be adapted to accommodate solid-state cell manufacturing. By combining Factorial’s specialized FEST solid-state technology with SK On’s deep-rooted experience in battery production, the partners intend to determine the viability of large-scale manufacturing operations.


“A battery breakthrough only matters if it can be manufactured at scale,” stated Factorial CEO Siyu Huang.

Huang further noted that SK On’s advanced manufacturing footprint will be instrumental in successfully integrating solid-state technology into global production supply chains. These high-energy-density cells are designed to facilitate the development of lighter, more compact, and more efficient energy storage solutions for the automotive, defense, and energy sectors.


Building on Existing Industry Momentum

This partnership is the latest in a series of major milestones for Factorial. The company has already gained significant traction in North America, notably through its testing program with Stellantis. Factorial’s FEST cells have been successfully integrated into the STLA Large platform, powering a prototype Dodge Charger Daytona.


The performance metrics from these trials are promising:

  • Energy Density: Factorial’s 77Ah FEST cells achieved 375 Wh/kg across more than 600 cycles.
  • Charging Speed: The batteries demonstrated an 18-minute charge from 15% to 90%.
  • Temperature Resilience: Cells maintained consistent performance in environments ranging from -22°F to 113°F (-30°C to 45°C).
  • Power Delivery: The cells achieved a discharge rate of up to 4C.

Factorial’s influence continues to grow, with active collaborations involving major automotive players such as Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Kia. Notably, a modified Mercedes-Benz EQS recently completed a 745-mile (1,200 km) test run using these advanced cells. With SK On already acting as a key supplier for major automakers including Ford, Volkswagen, and Hyundai Motor Group, this partnership represents a major consolidation of effort to bring next-generation battery technology to the road.