Factorial Energy Opens New Manufacturing Facility

Factorial Inc., a developer of solid-state battery technology for electric vehicle (EV) applications, today announced the opening of its new battery manufacturing facility in the Boston suburb of Methuen, MA. The state-of-the-art facility represents a significant step in scaling up the production of Factorial’s innovative solid-state battery technology for EVs.

The new facility represents a $50 million investment and is expected to create over 150 local jobs. Located in the greater Boston area, Factorial’s operations remain close to its newly opened R&D facility and corporate headquarters advancing the production of Factorial’s solid-state battery technology for its automotive partners. The current footprint will accommodate up to a 200MWh assembly line, which is expected to be the largest solid-state battery assembly line in the US.

“We are thrilled to open our next-generation battery facility in Massachusetts as we scale our batteries for mass production,” stated Siyu Huang, CEO of Factorial. “This facility will enable us to manufacture cells to meet the needs of our automotive partners and progress our mission to commercialize solid-state batteries. As a US company, we’re also proud to contribute to the onshoring of battery manufacturing for EVs and advancement of battery innovation for a differentiated supply chain.”

Factorial’s technology reportedly provides a high level of operational safety and extends EV driving range up to 50 percent, addressing two key factors to broad consumer adoption. Its drop-in compatibility with existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing infrastructure reduces costs and the complexity of changing to a different battery technology for auto manufacturers.

FEST features

Factorial’s advances are based on its trademarked “FEST” (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology), which leverages a proprietary solid electrolyte material that enables safe and reliable cell performance with high-voltage and high-capacity electrodes at room temperature. In 2022, Factorial became the first to reach the 40 Amp-hour benchmark with a solid-state cell that works at room temperature, demonstrating the scalability of the FEST electrolyte.

“Our electrolyte can be described as a multi-component system,” CEO Huang told Battery Technology in January 2023. “We use a combination of an advanced polymer and a liquid component that is less flammable than today’s conventional organic electrolytes. This combination allows us to achieve high thermal—not flammable until at least 200 degrees C—and electrochemical stability, while maintaining flexibility to mechanically stabilize the system.”

The company has entered into joint development agreements with Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Hyundai Motor Company.