Stellantis Begins Real World Testing of Solid State Batteries in Dodge Charger Daytona
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Solid state battery technology has been one of the most talked about developments in the electric vehicle industry. For years, automakers and battery companies have promised longer driving range, faster charging, and improved efficiency, but production ready vehicles have remained out of reach.
Now, Stellantis has taken an important step by starting real world testing of a Dodge Charger Daytona prototype equipped with a solid state battery developed by Factorial. The move brings the technology one step closer to future production vehicles.
Stellantis Starts Road Testing Solid State Battery Technology
Stellantis has officially confirmed that it has fitted a Dodge Charger Daytona test vehicle with a prototype solid state battery supplied by Factorial. The vehicle has entered a public road testing program, allowing engineers to evaluate the battery under real driving conditions.
The project was first announced last year when Stellantis revealed plans to create a fleet of Charger Daytona prototypes using solid state battery technology. With testing now underway, the company has reached another major milestone in EV development.
Unlike laboratory testing, road testing helps engineers understand how the battery performs in daily use, different weather conditions, and varying driving styles.
What Makes This Battery Different?
The Charger Daytona prototype uses Factorial’s FEST battery, short for Factorial Electrolyte System Technology.
This marks the first time that solid state battery cells have been integrated into a Stellantis vehicle.
According to Stellantis and Factorial, the battery delivers several promising advantages:
- Energy density of 375 watt hours per kilogram
- Charging from 15 percent to 90 percent in just 18 minutes
- Reliable operation in temperatures ranging from minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit to 113 degrees Fahrenheit
Higher energy density means more energy can be stored in the same amount of space or weight, which could eventually lead to longer driving range or lighter electric vehicles.
Charger Daytona Required Engineering Changes
Installing the new battery involved more than simply replacing the existing pack.
Stellantis engineers developed a new mechanical architecture to fit the FEST cells into the Charger Daytona’s battery system. The company also redesigned the battery pack layout and updated the control systems to improve performance while maintaining safety and durability.
These modifications allow the prototype to serve as a realistic testing platform for future solid state battery applications.
Why Solid State Batteries Matter
Solid state batteries are considered one of the biggest potential upgrades for electric vehicles because they could solve several common concerns associated with current lithium ion batteries.
Potential benefits include:
- Faster charging times
- Higher energy storage capacity
- Better efficiency
- Reduced battery weight
- Improved temperature performance
- Enhanced long term durability
If these advantages can be achieved at production scale, future EVs could become more practical for everyday drivers.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Skyactiv Z Advantage |
|---|---|
| Thermal Efficiency | Higher than previous Skyactiv engines |
| Emissions Compliance | Meets future regulations |
| Driving Performance | Maintains strong power output |
| Fuel Economy | Improved efficiency |
| Technology | Integrated with Mazda's own hybrid system |
Production Timeline Still Unclear
While the start of road testing is encouraging, Stellantis has not revealed how long the evaluation program will continue or when this technology could reach production vehicles.
Several manufacturers across the automotive industry have previously indicated that solid state batteries may become commercially available before the end of this decade, with many targeting around 2030.
For now, extensive testing remains necessary to validate long term reliability, manufacturing scalability, safety, and cost effectiveness before large scale adoption becomes possible.
What This Means for the Future
The launch of Stellantis’ road testing program represents meaningful progress for solid state battery development. Instead of remaining a laboratory concept, the technology is now being evaluated in an actual production based vehicle under everyday driving conditions.
Although buyers may still need to wait several years before solid state powered vehicles arrive in showrooms, the Dodge Charger Daytona prototype demonstrates that the automotive industry is steadily moving toward the next generation of electric vehicle batteries.
As testing continues, the results could play a major role in shaping the future of faster charging, longer range, and more efficient electric cars.
Sources & References
- Stellantis Official Press Release
Official announcement detailing the integration of Factorial’s solid state battery into the Dodge Charger Daytona development vehicle and the launch of road testing.
Stellantis Media Press Release - Stellantis Corporate Newsroom
Official Stellantis newsroom featuring press releases, technology updates, and corporate announcements.
Stellantis Newsroom - Factorial Energy Official Website
Official website of Factorial, developer of FEST solid state battery technology used in the Charger Daytona prototype.
Factorial Energy - Dodge Official Website
Official Dodge website with information about the Charger Daytona lineup and future performance EVs.
Dodge Official Website - Car and Driver
Trusted North American automotive publication covering Stellantis’ real world testing program and technical details.
Car and Driver Article - Autoweek
Respected automotive news source with additional reporting on the Charger Daytona solid state battery development program.
Autoweek Article - Reuters Automotive News
Global news agency providing verified reporting on Stellantis and Factorial’s solid state battery partnership and milestones.
Reuters Report
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stellantis testing in the Dodge Charger Daytona?
Stellantis has equipped a Dodge Charger Daytona development vehicle with a prototype solid state battery developed by Factorial. The company has started real world road testing to evaluate the battery's performance, durability, charging capability, and reliability under everyday driving conditions.
What is the Factorial FEST solid state battery?
FEST stands for Factorial Electrolyte System Technology. It is a next generation solid state battery designed to deliver higher energy density, faster charging, and improved efficiency compared to conventional lithium ion batteries.
How fast can the Charger Daytona solid state battery recharge?
According to Stellantis and Factorial, the prototype battery can recharge from 15 percent to 90 percent in approximately 18 minutes under suitable charging conditions.
What is the energy density of the new solid state battery?
The prototype FEST battery has a claimed energy density of 375 watt hours per kilogram, allowing it to store more energy while potentially reducing battery size and weight.
What temperature range can the battery operate in?
The battery is designed to operate reliably in temperatures ranging from minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for a wide variety of climate conditions.
Why are solid state batteries considered important for future EVs?
Solid state batteries could offer faster charging, higher energy storage capacity, lower battery weight, improved efficiency, and better long term durability. These advantages could help future electric vehicles deliver longer driving ranges and improved everyday usability.
Did Stellantis modify the Charger Daytona for this battery?
Yes. Stellantis redesigned the battery pack architecture, updated the control systems, and developed a new mechanical structure to integrate the FEST solid state cells while maintaining safety and durability.
Is the Dodge Charger Daytona solid state battery vehicle available for customers?
No. The current Charger Daytona equipped with the FEST battery is a development prototype used for testing purposes. Stellantis has not announced a production launch date for vehicles using this technology.
When could solid state batteries reach production vehicles?
Stellantis has not confirmed a production timeline. However, several automakers have indicated that solid state battery technology could become commercially available before the end of this decade if testing and large scale manufacturing progress successfully.
