Mercedes‑Benz announced that it has secured exclusive, first‑right access to ProLogium’s upcoming Gen4 solid‑state battery cells, the latest iteration of the Taiwanese firm’s sulfide‑based solid‑electrolyte technology. The Gen4 cells promise an energy density of up to 500 Wh kg⁻¹—roughly a 30 % jump over the best lithium‑ion packs currently in production—while delivering a 10‑fold improvement in safety thanks to the non‑flammable solid electrolyte. ProLogium plans a pilot production line in Taiwan by early 2027, with a target annual output of 30 GWh, enough to equip a limited run of Mercedes‑Benz’s flagship S‑Class and EQS models slated for a 2028 launch.

The partnership is significant for several reasons. First, it gives Mercedes‑Benz a head start in the ultra‑premium segment where solid‑state batteries are expected to become a differentiator for range, charging speed, and safety. Second, the deal validates ProLogium’s Gen4 platform, which has been under development since 2023 and is the first solid‑state chemistry to reach a commercial‑grade pilot line. Finally, the agreement signals a shift in the European OEM supply chain toward Asian solid‑state specialists, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape that has been dominated by CATL, LG Energy Solution and BYD.

Industry analysts note that the 500 Wh kg⁻¹ target still leaves room for improvement before the 600 Wh kg⁻¹ benchmark that would enable 1,000 km ranges in midsize sedans. However, the promised 15‑minute charge to 80 % (using a 350 kW charger) could make solid‑state packs viable for luxury customers who value both performance and convenience. ProLogium also hinted at a modular cell format that could be adapted for future EV platforms, including SUVs and light trucks.

The deal underscores the accelerating race to commercialize solid‑state technology, a field that has seen multiple pilot projects but few firm commitments from premium OEMs. If Mercedes‑Benz can bring Gen4 cells to market on schedule, it could force other manufacturers to accelerate their own solid‑state roadmaps, potentially compressing the timeline for widespread adoption from the late 2020s to the early 2030s. Electrek

CATL disclosed a new 600 kWh battery pack designed specifically for the Swaptopus battery‑swap network, a joint venture with Octopus Energy that aims to create a pan‑European swapping infrastructure for heavy‑duty trucks. The pack delivers a continuous power output of 2 MW, enabling a Class 8 electric truck to maintain highway speeds (up to 120 km h⁻¹) while drawing power directly from the grid during a swap. Each pack consists of 1,200 high‑energy NCM‑811 cells arranged in a modular “swap‑ready” format that can be exchanged in under three minutes using automated robotic arms.

The announcement marks the first time CATL has presented a commercial‑grade battery chemistry for a swap‑based freight solution. Earlier Swaptopus prototypes relied on legacy LFP modules with limited range (≈300 km). The new NCM‑811 chemistry pushes usable range to roughly 800 km per charge, a figure that aligns with the operational needs of long‑haul routes across Europe. CATL also highlighted a built‑in thermal‑management system that maintains cell temperatures between 15 °C and 35 °C, mitigating degradation and extending cycle life to over 2,000 full swaps.

From a market perspective, the 600 kWh pack could reduce the total cost of ownership for electric trucks by up to 20 % compared with conventional fast‑charging solutions, according to CATL’s internal analysis. The higher energy density (≈250 Wh kg⁻¹) and the rapid‑swap capability address two of the biggest barriers to electric freight: range anxiety and downtime. Swaptopus plans to roll out 150 swap stations across the UK, Germany, France and the Netherlands by 2029, with each station capable of handling up to 30 trucks per day.

The move also intensifies competition with other swap‑focused initiatives, such as Nio’s battery‑swap stations in China and the emerging “Battery‑as‑a‑Service” models in the United States. By delivering a high‑power, high‑energy pack, CATL positions itself as the technology backbone for Europe’s next wave of zero‑emission logistics, potentially accelerating policy support for electric freight corridors. Electrek