Manganese-based cell tech to boost EV range, performance with compact, lighter battery systems

Mercedes‑Benz is also investigating the next generation of solid-state cells with several partners.MercedesKey TakeawaysMercedes‑Benz aims to develop even more compact and lighter battery systems while maintaining the same or even higher performance.These systems open up new possibilities for vehicle design and interior layout.Developing in-house cell chemistry platforms increases flexibility in responding to technological developments, market changes and regulatory requirements.A luxury car manufacturer is advancing a new cell chemistry for EVs. Mercedes-Benz is taking steps to combine lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC). This cathode-material combination uses a higher proportion of manganese and less cobalt and nickel, enabling an attractive balance between energy density and cost. At the same time, this chemical combination forms the technological bridge to the manganese-rich cathode materials of the future. With lithium nickel manganese oxide (LNMO), Mercedes-Benz is advancing another promising cell chemistry. It would eliminate the need for cobalt, require significantly less nickel than today’s NMC cells and offer the potential to combine high energy density with attractive costs. High-voltage capability of LNMO-based cell chemistry The key would be the high-voltage capability of LNMO-based cell chemistry, which could operate at voltages of up to five volts. Compared with LFP, range advantages of up to 30 percent may be possible at comparable weight and packaging space, according to a press release.Mercedes‑Benz aims to develop even more compact and lighter battery systems while maintaining the same or even higher performance. These systems open up new possibilities for vehicle design and interior layout. Furthermore, manganese-based cell technologies can reduce reliance on critical raw materials. Developing in-house cell chemistry platforms increases flexibility in responding to technological developments, market changes and regulatory requirements, as per the release.“No technology shapes the character of a vehicle as much as the powertrain, whether fully electric or hybrid,” said Jörg Bartels, Vice President, Powertrain Development, Mercedes‑Benz AG. “Our customers around the world have different needs and expectations. That is why we are committed to utilising the best technology in such a way that it delivers tangible added value and inspires our customers. True innovation arises where technical excellence translates into an intuitive driving experience and creates an almost instinctive emotional connection between the driver and the vehicle.”The company is driving forward the development of solid-state batteries in collaboration with its strategic partners, Factorial Energy and ProLogium. With Factorial Energy, a lithium-metal solid-state battery has already been developed and tested for the first time under real-world driving conditions in an EQS. The development vehicle covered 1,205 kilometres from Stuttgart to Malmö without recharging, thereby demonstrating the technology’s potential for long ranges. Next generation of solid-state cells Mercedes‑Benz revealed that it’s investigating the next generation of solid-state cells with several partners, including ProLogium’s next-generation cells. The focus is on extensive testing of Gen4 cell technology in terms of performance, safety and thermal properties. The aim is to assess their potential for future series production. In addition, tests are being carried out with solid-state cells from other partners and those developed in-house, incorporating motorsports know-how from the Formula 1 powertrain experts in the UK. Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Prabhat, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, is a tech and defense journalist. While he enjoys writing on modern weapons and emerging tech, he has also reported on global politics and business. He has been previously associated with well-known media houses, including the International Business Times (Singapore Edition) and ANI.