Stellantis attacks Tesla with its new ultra-fast battery

Taking the electric car market to a new level, Stellantis is poised to make its mark with its next-generation battery technology. Developed in collaboration with American startup Factorial Energy, the solid-state batteries, which can charge from 15% to 90% in just 18 minutes, are targeted for integration into pilot fleets as early as 2026.

More range, less weight

Behind this ambitious goal lies a solid-electrolyte battery technology called FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology). These batteries achieve an impressive energy density of 375 Wh/kg compared to current lithium-ion batteries, potentially offering significantly longer ranges without increasing vehicle weight. For comparison, current LFP batteries are around 175 Wh/kg, while NMC batteries are around 250 Wh/kg.

Furthermore, it promises to experience no performance loss from freezing temperatures of -30°C to extreme temperatures of +45°C, eliminating range anxiety in winter and the fear of overheating in summer.

The goal is to undermine the leader

Stellantis's move poses a direct challenge to Tesla, the market leader in ultra-fast charging. By setting a concrete date, the European manufacturer aims to break away from the often delayed promises of its competitors and gain a market advantage. The 2026 pilot target is a considerably more aggressive timeline than the 2028 and later dates outlined by brands like Hyundai and Toyota.

But victory isn't yet assured for Stellantis. Chinese giants CATL and BYD are working on batteries that promise a five-minute charge, while Toyota and Hyundai are solidifying their market positions with record-breaking range targets. Stellantis faces two major challenges: proving this impressive lab-based performance in real-world conditions and enabling large-scale mass production without exploding costs.