Solid-state EV batteries, deemed the “holy grail” of battery tech, are moving from the lab to reality, even in the US.
Factorial launches solid-state battery program in the US
Factorial Energy has been at the forefront of solid-state EV battery development. The US-based company is partnering with Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai, and Kia to advance the new battery tech.
In its latest milestone, Factorial launched the first commercial solid-state battery program in the US through a collaboration with Karma Automotive.
Factorial will supply its FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) quasi-solid-state batteries to be used in Karma’s upcoming lineup of ultra-luxury electric vehicles.
The Karma Kaveya, an ultra-luxury super-coupe EV, is first in line. Karma is expected to launch the Kaveya in the US in late 2027, promising over 1,000 horsepower and 1,270 lb-ft of torque, more than 250 miles of range, and a 0-60 mph time under 3.0 seconds.
Factorial and Karma will validate the solid-state technology in production passenger vehicles, using the knowledge to accelerate development in the US.
Moving from the lab to the real world
Although Karma delayed the Kaveya launch last year, the company has found new hope in its partnership with Factorial.
“In 2025 we delayed launch because we did not yet see a clear path to fully delivering the uncompromising driving experience that should be expected from an American ultra-luxury vehicle company,” Karma’s president and CEO, Marques McCammon, said.
He added, “Now through the partnership with Factorial and the integration of FEST, we cannot only deliver that experience, but also open a pathway to stronger, more stable electrified drive systems for Karma owners and the broader industry.”
While this is Factorial’s first solid-state battery program in the US, its technology has been showing real-world results.
In September, Mercedes-Benz drove a modified EQS equipped with Factorial’s solid-state battery cells for over 745 miles (1,200 km) without stopping to charge. Mercedes has called Factorials battery cells “a true game-changer.”
Factorial claims FEST, a quasi-solid-state battery, can provide 500- 600+ miles of range with 40% weight savings compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Perhaps more importantly, Factorial’s FEST cells are compatible with up to 80% of existing lithium-ion manufacturing equipment, eliminating the need to rely solely on new production lines.
Factorial said the new partnership will help accelerate the transition to next-gen battery tech at scale “in a way that is innately American.”
The US-based battery specialist announced plans in December to list on the Nasdaq exchange through a business merger with Cartesian Growth Corporation III, a special-purpose acquisition company. Factorial said it will use the funds to drive growth.
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