Factorial Energy announced a joint development agreement with Mitsui Kinzoku, a leading Japanese producer of sulfide‑based solid electrolytes, to accelerate the scale‑up of its Solstice™ all‑solid‑state battery platform. The partnership will combine Factorial’s proprietary lithium‑metal anode chemistry with Mitsui’s high‑conductivity argyrodite‑type sulfide electrolytes, targeting a production line capable of delivering cells with energy densities above 400 Wh kg⁻¹ by 2028.

Both parties will co‑invest in a pilot plant in Japan, with Factorial providing cell‑design expertise and Mitsui supplying electrolyte material and manufacturing know‑how. The agreement also includes a joint R&D fund of US$30 million to optimize interfacial stability, a key hurdle for sulfide electrolytes that can react with lithium metal and cause capacity fade.

If successful, the collaboration could shave 30 % off the cost per kilowatt‑hour compared with current solid‑state prototypes, bringing the technology closer to the price point required for mass‑market electric vehicles. Factorial’s CEO highlighted that the partnership “creates a vertically integrated supply chain for solid electrolytes, which has been the missing piece in commercializing solid‑state batteries at scale.”

The move comes as the solid‑state sector races to overcome manufacturing bottlenecks and reliability concerns. By securing a reliable source of high‑performance sulfide electrolyte, Factorial positions itself to compete with larger players such as QuantumScape and ProLogium, while offering a distinct chemistry that promises faster charge rates and improved safety.

Source: Electrek – Factorial Energy secures another big partnership

ProLogium Technology Co., a Taiwanese pioneer of all‑solid‑state batteries, announced the appointment of Antony Sheriff, chief executive of the high‑performance electric‑vehicle maker Rimac Group, to its board of directors. Sheriff will serve as a non‑executive director, bringing extensive experience in scaling ultra‑high‑power EV platforms and navigating complex automotive supply chains.

The board addition is part of ProLogium’s broader strategy to accelerate commercialization of its next‑generation solid‑state cells, which feature a lithium‑metal anode paired with a garnet‑type oxide electrolyte. The company aims to move from low‑volume pilot production to a 10 GWh annual capacity line in Taiwan by 2029, targeting automotive OEMs and high‑energy‑density applications such as aviation and heavy‑duty trucks.

Sheriff’s mandate includes advising on partnership models with OEMs, refining the company’s go‑to‑market roadmap, and supporting the rollout of a new “Solid‑State Powertrain Kit” that integrates ProLogium cells with advanced thermal‑management and BMS software. ProLogium’s CEO emphasized that Sheriff’s insight into performance‑driven EVs will help bridge the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and real‑world vehicle integration.

Analysts note that the appointment signals a deeper alignment between solid‑state battery developers and high‑performance vehicle manufacturers, a trend that could hasten the adoption of lithium‑metal technology in premium EV segments. With Rimac already delivering hypercars that push the limits of power density, the collaboration may yield demonstrator vehicles equipped with ProLogium’s 380 Wh kg⁻¹ cells within the next two years.

Source: ProLogium – Antony Sheriff joins board

ProLogium and Dutch aerospace startup Elysian Aircraft BV have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the integration of solid‑state battery technology into future zero‑emission aircraft. The MoU outlines a joint research program focused on adapting ProLogium’s high‑energy‑density lithium‑metal solid‑state cells for aviation‑grade powerpacks, targeting specific energy levels above 500 Wh kg⁻¹ and cycle lives exceeding 1,000 full‑charge cycles.

The collaboration will initially concentrate on a demonstrator electric vertical‑take‑off and landing (eVTOL) platform, with ProLogium providing prototype cells and Elysian handling system integration, thermal‑management, and certification pathways. Both companies will share test data and co‑develop safety protocols to meet stringent aviation standards, including fire‑resistance and crash‑worthiness.

If the partnership succeeds, it could address two major barriers to electric aviation: weight and range. Current lithium‑ion packs limit eVTOL flight times to under 30 minutes, whereas ProLogium’s solid‑state chemistry promises up to 45 minutes of endurance with a comparable footprint. Moreover, the solid electrolyte’s inherent thermal stability reduces the risk of thermal runaway, a critical safety consideration for airborne applications.

The MoU reflects a growing interest among aerospace firms to leverage solid‑state batteries as the industry seeks to meet ambitious carbon‑neutral targets for regional air travel by 2035. ProLogium’s CEO highlighted that “the aerospace sector offers a compelling use case for solid‑state technology, where safety, energy density, and weight savings are paramount.”

Source: ProLogium – MoU with Elysian Aircraft