Karma, Factorial to build first solid-state battery powered EV

Solid-state battery

Karma Automotive, Inc. and Factorial, Inc. have announced the launch of the first solid-state battery production program in the United States for passenger vehicles.

The pair will integrate Factorial’s FEST® battery technology into Karma’s next-generation vehicle platform, beginning with the all-electric Karma Kaveya super-coupe scheduled to arrive on American roads in late 2027.

Factorial is a Boston, MA-based solid-state battery technology that also has commercial partnerships with Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai Motor Co., and Kia Corp.

In the announcement, Karma’s President and CEO Marques McCammon said “Karma Automotive was imagined to push the boundaries of what the ultra-luxury vehicle experience can be, and Kaveya is the vehicle that re-introduced Karma to the market in November 2023.”

He went on to say that, “However, in 2025 we delayed launch because we did not yet see a clear path to fully delivering the uncompromising driving experience that should be expected from an American ultra-luxury vehicle company.

Now through the partnership with Factorial and the integration of FEST, we cannot only deliver that experience, but also open a pathway to stronger, more stable electrified drive systems for Karma owners and the broader industry.”

What is FEST?

Factorial says its FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) technology is engineered to integrate into current lithium-ion battery factories.

Given the heavy investments in that technology of late, this addresses a major concern likely to arise in a transition to solid-state batteries.

According to the company, FEST is actually a quasi-solid-state battery, that is compatible with existing anode materials. The technology reduces, but does not eliminate, the use flammable liquid electrolytes, lowering fire risks in lithium-ion cells.

However, a previous press release alongside Stelantis states that FEST utilizes lithium-metal in making the solid-state battery. Lithium metal is highly reactive and prone to dangerous dendrite growth, which can lead to short circuits, fires, and explosions.

We’ll be digging into this much deeper, beginning with a white paper we’ve downloaded.

——————————————————————-

The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember — only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

Privacy Policy