SK On and Factorial Energy have launched a new alliance aimed at driving solid-state EV battery tech from labs to production lines.

The partnership, announced on July 29, brings together US-based Factorial’s advanced cell technology and scale-up expertise with the South Korean battery maker’s global manufacturing base network and pilot capabilities. 

A key objective of a memorandum of understanding between the firms is to assess whether and how SK On’s lithium ion manufacturing network could support future development of solid-state battery technologies. 

SK On, a subsidiary of SK Innovation, will jointly evaluate the technical feasibility and manufacturing considerations for Factorial’s FEST solid-state battery tech. 

Factorial said the move highlights its “capital-light approach” to industrialisation, which is centered on developing batteries that can use established manufacturing infrastructure to accelerate the path to commercialisation.

“A battery breakthrough only matters if it can be manufactured at scale,” said Siyu Huang, CEO of Factorial.

Head of the Institute of Future Technology at SK On, Ki-soo Park, said the collaboration will consider opportunities to support the future development of solid-state battery technologies for mobility and high-performance markets.

In 2024, auto giant Stellantis said it was introducing a demonstration fleet of EVs fitted with solid-state batteries from Factorial.