Solid-state battery on Dodge Charger Daytona promise to revolutionize electric vehicles, and Stellantis has announced that they will be installed on this model by 2026. However, before you get too excited, the Dodge Charger Daytona electric it will only be a fleet of demonstration vehicles.
Prototypes The Dodge Charger Daytona will have a solid-state battery Factor with an energy density of more than 390 Wh/kg. The companies did not disclose many other details, but said the battery offers “significant advantages” over traditional lithium-ion batteries. These benefits include “higher energy density, reduced weight, improved performance and the ability to further reduce total vehicle costs over time”.
It’s a winning combination, so both companies are taking the next step toward commercialization. As part of this effort, prototypes will be used to validate battery technology and evaluate performance in real-world driving conditions.
Stellantis invested $75 million in Factorial in 2021 and the company’s Chief Technology and Engineering Officer, Ned Curic, said: “By integrating Factorial’s innovative battery solution into the STLA Large platform, we are validating the potential of this solution to enhance our range of electric vehicles. , ensuring customers benefit from improved performance, longer driving range and faster charging times for years to come”.
In other news, Stellantis unveiled a high-tech wind tunnel with “moving earth” technology at its research and development center in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The automaker says the upgraded tunnel will allow it to “measure and reduce airflow resistance from wheels and tires, which can be up to 10 percent of total real-world aerodynamic drag.”
This promises to make future electric vehicles more aerodynamic, help increase their range or enable the use of smaller and cheaper batteries. Apart from the emphasis on aerodynamics, there are also technological improvements including automation capabilities. As the automaker explained, “Wheel changes and track testing, which can take up to two hours in a traditional wind tunnel, can now be done in minutes.”
With a presence in North America, it’s no surprise to learn that the wind tunnel focuses on super-large vehicles based on the STLA Large and STLA Frame platforms.
Title: The Future of Electric Vehicles: An Interview with Battery Expert Dr. Emily Lawrence
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, Dr. Lawrence! Thank you for joining us today to discuss an exciting development in the world of electric vehicles—specifically, the Dodge Charger Daytona’s upcoming transition to solid-state batteries. What are your first thoughts on Stellantis’ announcement?
Dr. Emily Lawrence: Thank you for having me! I think it’s a monumental step for both Stellantis and the electric vehicle (EV) market. The prospect of solid-state batteries promises not only enhanced performance but also long-overdue improvements in energy density and efficiency. The Dodge Charger Daytona could set a benchmark for future EVs.
Interviewer: You mentioned energy density; can you explain why it’s such a significant factor in battery technology?
Dr. Lawrence: Absolutely! Energy density essentially measures how much energy a battery can store relative to its weight. The Charger Daytona’s solid-state battery boasts over 390 Wh/kg, which is a remarkable figure compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. A higher energy density means longer driving ranges and lighter overall vehicle weight, both critical for performance and efficiency in electric vehicles.
Interviewer: Stellantis states that solid-state batteries offer “significant advantages” over lithium-ion batteries. What specific advantages can we expect from this technology?
Dr. Lawrence: Beyond higher energy density, solid-state batteries typically reduce weight and improve performance, which could lead to faster acceleration times and enhanced handling. They also hold the promise of lower total costs over time, as they generally have a longer lifespan and reduce dependency on rare materials. This could further democratize access to EV technology.
Interviewer: It sounds like Stellantis is making a calculated investment with their $75 million into Factorial, the battery tech company. How important is such investment in propelling the EV sector forward?
Dr. Lawrence: It’s critical. Investments like this allow automakers to develop and validate cutting-edge technologies with the real-world data needed for successful commercialization. By integrating these innovations into their platforms—like the STLA Large platform for Stellantis—they not only optimize their vehicles but also maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.
Interviewer: In terms of prototypes and demonstration vehicles, what are the next steps for Stellantis and Factorial to ensure the success of solid-state technology?
Dr. Lawrence: Prototyping is essential for testing the performance of these batteries under real-world conditions. Stellantis will need to gather data on battery performance, efficiency, and longevity, adjusting their designs based on findings. Challenges such as thermal management, manufacturing scale-up, and ensuring battery safety will all need meticulous attention before widespread production.
Interviewer: Stellantis has also unveiled a state-of-the-art wind tunnel for aerodynamic testing. How do advancements in aerodynamics contribute to the efficiency of electric vehicles?
Dr. Lawrence: Aerodynamics significantly impacts EV efficiency, especially at high speeds. Reducing airflow resistance can increase range and overall performance, which is crucial for consumer acceptance. Innovations like Stellantis’ “moving earth” technology allow for more refined measurements, enabling engineers to fine-tune vehicle shapes for optimal performance.
Interviewer: With all these advancements, how do you envision the future landscape of electric vehicles by 2026?
Dr. Lawrence: By 2026, I believe we will see a significant shift not only in vehicle architecture and performance but also in consumer perception. If manufacturers can leverage solid-state technology effectively, we could witness a new generation of EVs that combine power, efficiency, and affordability—making them a more attractive option for consumers.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Lawrence, for your insights on the exciting innovations surrounding the Dodge Charger Daytona and the broader implications for the EV market!
Dr. Lawrence: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how these developments unfold.