Mercedes-Benz is partnering up with Hydro-Quebec to jointly develop advanced solid-state batteries to be used in electric vehicles.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with Mercedes-Benz, an automotive company with an enviable reputation, to pursue our research even further,” said Karim Zaghib, General Manager of Hydro-Québec’s center of excellence in transportation electrification and energy storage.

“Our association will allow us to test new materials quickly in field conditions, and so accelerate the development cycle and respond to the concerns of automobile manufacturers.”

Hydro-Quebec is no stranger to solid-state battery technology, and has been continuously working on the technology since it built a first-generation unit in 1990.

Solid-state lithium-metal batteries have significant advantages over regular lithium-ion batteries that make them more suitable for use in electric vehicles. They are more dense, allowing for an increase in capacity, and are also lighter than traditional lithium-ion batteries. Since they don’t use flammable liquid electrolytes, they are also safer.

“The battery is a key component of our electric vehicles. Mastering their chemistry is therefore a focal topic for Mercedes-Benz research and development,” said Jochen Hermann, Vice President Development eDrive for Mercedes-Benz.

“Solid-state batteries are supposed to be a next important technology leap for e-mobility, meaning an alternative to today’s li-ion battery systems. The latest advancements Hydro-Québec researchers have made are very promising and we are looking forward to the first results of our joint development program.”

The technology will be jointly researched at Hydro-Quebec’s facilities in Canada, as well as in Hydro-Quebec subsidiary SCE France laboratory’s laboratories.