Stellantis has begun testing solid-state battery technology in a modified Dodge Charger Daytona, partnering with battery supplier Factorial. The automaker installed the advanced cells into the electric muscle car to evaluate real-world performance of the new battery chemistry.
Solid-state batteries replace traditional liquid electrolytes with solid materials, a fundamental shift that promises substantial gains over current lithium-ion technology. The key advantage: higher energy density, which translates to longer driving range from the same physical battery size. Charging speeds also improve dramatically with solid-state cells, reducing time at the pump significantly compared to conventional EV batteries.
The Charger Daytona serves as an ideal test platform. Dodge positioned the car as a high-performance electric alternative to the iconic Charger muscle car, and adding solid-state batteries amplifies its appeal. Faster charging and extended range directly address consumer complaints about EV practicality.
Stellantis targets solid-state adoption across its lineup within the next few years. Factorial, backed by Samsung and other investors, has been pushing toward manufacturing scale after years of lab development. This test validates whether Factorial's cells perform reliably in production vehicles under real driving conditions, not just controlled environments.
The timeline matters in a competitive race. Toyota targets solid-state mass production by 2027 or 2028. BMW, Nissan, and other manufacturers pursue similar goals. Stellantis cannot afford to fall behind on battery technology, especially as the industry shifts toward all-electric powertrains.
The Charger Daytona test also signals confidence in Factorial's approach. Automotive partnerships require extensive validation before committing to billion-dollar manufacturing investments. Dodge will likely use this data to engineer a future solid-state variant of the Charger Daytona, though official availability timelines remain unconfirmed