Long-Distance Test Successfully Completed: EQS with Solid-State Battery Covers 1,205 km on a Single Charge
Mercedes-Benz has once again raised the bar in electric mobility. In a groundbreaking real-world demonstration, a lightly modified EQS test vehicle equipped with a lithium-metal solid-state battery covered 1,205 kilometers on a single charge — traveling from Stuttgart, Germany, to Malmö, Sweden, without stopping to recharge.
This remarkable achievement not only surpasses the record set by the Vision EQXX by three kilometers but also highlights the maturity and potential of solid-state battery technology. To make the feat even more impressive, the EQS arrived in Malmö with a remaining range of 137 kilometers, proving that it wasn’t running on fumes but had more to give.
Real-World Validation: From Labs to Highways
While Mercedes-Benz has already been simulating and testing solid-state technology at its state-of-the-art facilities in Stuttgart and Sindelfingen, this journey marked an important step: validation under real-world driving conditions.
The test car traveled across highways A7 and E20 through Germany and Denmark into Sweden. Mercedes’ Electric Intelligence system calculated the optimal route, factoring in terrain, weather, traffic, and energy usage — all without the aid of ferries or shortcuts.
According to Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer at Mercedes-Benz:
“The solid-state battery is a true gamechanger for electric mobility. With the successful long-distance drive of the EQS, we show that this technology delivers not only in the lab but also on the road. Our goal is to bring innovations like this into series production by the end of the decade.”
What Makes the Solid-State Battery Special?
This breakthrough isn’t just about squeezing more kilometers from a charge — it’s about redefining what’s possible for EVs.
- 25% more usable energy content compared to a standard EQS battery.
- Comparable weight and size to current lithium-ion packs, avoiding bulk.
- Pneumatic actuators that adjust to cell volume changes during charging and discharging, ensuring long-term durability.
- Passive airflow cooling that reduces weight while maintaining efficiency.
The solid-state cells were developed in partnership with Factorial Energy (USA) using their FEST® (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology). Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, the brand’s Formula 1 technology arm in the UK, also played a crucial role in fine-tuning the system.
Why This Matters for the Future
Range anxiety has long been the biggest hurdle for electric cars. Covering more than 1,200 km on a single charge means EVs could soon rival, or even surpass, the convenience of petrol-powered vehicles — without compromising performance.
For Mercedes-Benz, this is not just a headline achievement but a milestone on the road to production. If rolled out by the end of the decade as planned, solid-state technology could transform electric mobility worldwide — making long-distance travel seamless, efficient, and worry-free.
Final Thoughts
Mercedes-Benz has reminded the world why it remains a pioneer in automotive innovation. By proving that solid-state batteries work beyond lab conditions, the brand has taken a huge step toward bringing longer-range, faster-charging, and more efficient EVs to drivers everywhere.
For those in Dubai and across the UAE considering the switch to electric mobility, this milestone signals a future where charging stops become rare and long journeys effortless. As the UAE pushes toward sustainable transport, breakthroughs like this make EV ownership more appealing than ever.
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