Factorial Energy and LG Chem sign MOU to accelerate solid-state battery development
Two next-generation battery material and cell manufacturers are cooperating to expedite solid-state battery development. LG Chem and Factorial Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, hoping to eventually lead the solid-state battery segment with a strategic partnership.
Factorial Energy is a Massachusetts-based solid-state battery developer that has been developing energy-dense solid-state technology for EV propulsion applications. This includes its flagship product, the 100 Amp-hour (Ah) Factorial Electrolyte System Technology (FEST) solid-state cell.
This proprietary battery technology is compatible with existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing equipment, enabling automakers to transition to the advanced cells more seamlessly.
Those solid-state cells have been UN-certified, and A-sample battery cells have been sent to OEM partners. All while Factorial continues cell production at a brand-new facility in its home state. Meanwhile, LG Chem has invested billions in battery material development, particularly those required in cathodes, including solid-state cells, while setting up its own US facilities following a long-term supply contract signed with General Motors.
Now, LG Chem and Factorial are combining their respective expertise in battery materials and manufacturing practices to speed up solid-state battery development and implementation.
LG Chem and Factorial to combine solid-state know-how
To accelerate the development of solid-state batteries, LG Chem and Factorial Energy say they will collaborate, pairing the former’s battery material capabilities with the latter’s next-generation battery material and process innovations. Per Factorial CEO Siyu Huang:
We are thrilled to enter into this collaboration with LG Chem, one of the pre-eminent global leaders in battery materials. The electric vehicle industry is at the cusp of a much-needed breakthrough in battery technology, and we believe that close supply chain partnerships will help accelerate this transition. Together with LG Chem, we’re advancing the development of critical solid-state battery technology that will unlock the electric vehicle future.
Following the initial solid-state development project, LG Chem and Factorial stated they would explore technology licensing and material supply as part of an expanded strategic partnership with hopes of taking the market. LG Chem CTO Jong-ku Lee also spoke to the signed MOU:
Through this collaboration, we will become technology leaders in the field of next-generation batteries. We expect to secure solid-state materials through Factorial’s accumulated experience in next-generation batteries and LG Chem’s superior material technology.
Details of the new partnership remain light at this point, but this has the makings of a lucrative partnership, as Factorial can benefit from LG Chem’s cathode and other battery material expertise. At the same time, LG Chem can successfully supply essential materials to Factorial’s FEST solid-state cells, especially as they develop toward scaled production.
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China just laid out a plan to roll out over 100,000 ultra-fast EV charging stations by 2027 – and they’ll all be open to the public.
The National Development and Reform Commission’s (NDRC) joint notice, issued on Monday, asks local authorities to put together construction plans for highway service areas and prioritize the ones that see 40% or more usage during holiday travel rushes.
The NDRC notes that China’s ultra-fast EV charging infrastructure needs upgrading as more 800V EVs hit the road. Those high-voltage platforms can handle super-fast charging in as little as 10 to 30 minutes, but only if the charging hardware is up to speed.
China had 31.4 million EVs on the road at the end of 2024 – nearly 9% of the country’s total vehicle fleet. But charging access is still catching up. As of May 2025, there were 14.4 million charging points, or roughly 1 for every 2.2 EVs.
To keep the grid running smoothly, China wants new chargers to be smart, with dynamic pricing to incentivize off-peak charging and solar and storage to power the charging stations.
To make the business side work, the government is pushing for 10-year leases for charging station operators, and it’s backing the buildout with local government bonds.
The NDRC emphasized that the DC fast chargers built will be open to the public. This is a big deal because a lot of fast chargers in China aren’t. For example, BYD’s new megawatt chargers aren’t open to third-party vehicles.
As of September 2024, China had expanded its charging infrastructure to 11.4 million EV chargers, but only 3.3 million were public.
Read more: California now has nearly 50% more EV chargers than gas nozzles
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Tesla is starting to experience some consequences for misleading Full Self Driving customers – at least that’s the finding of one arbitration ruling that has Tesla refunding one customer $10,000 plus legal fees for failing to deliver on their promises. Find out more on today’s legally challenging episode of Quick Charge!
An arbitration “court” found that Tesla misled customers with its Full Self Driving product, and has now been forced to refund at least one person’s $10,000 payment (plus legal fees) for the not-quite autonomous driving software. France, too, is piling on claims of deceptive business practices – but there’s some good news for FSD fans! If you’re still willing to pay for it, Tesla will thrown in 0% financing on a brand new Cybertruck.
Check out the relevant links, below, to learn more.
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