Mercedes-Benz has deepened its partnership with ProLogium to assess the potential of its Gen4 battery cells for future vehicle integration. The automaker will now evaluate these cells in its own laboratories as well as at independent testing facilities, focusing on electrical efficiency, thermal stability, and safety parameters. As early as 2021, Mercedes had already invested in US developer Factorial Energy and established a development cooperation there, demonstrating its commitment to diversifying its solid-state battery technology portfolio.
The evaluation seeks to determine whether the technology meets the requirements for upcoming vehicle models. A final decision on mass production remains pending, though the tests will assess the fundamental feasibility of the system. ProLogium describes the Gen4 Superfluidized Inorganic Next-Generation Lithium Ceramic Battery as a high-energy-density, rapid-charging, high-power solution with robust cold-weather performance, positioning it as an advanced form of solid-state battery technology. The company has previously validated GWh-scale production of these cells at its Taoke Gigafactory in Taiwan, where it manufactures both C-samples and demonstration vehicle cells.
The battery’s safety design incorporates a non-flammable inorganic electrolyte, ceramic separators, and an active safety mechanism to mitigate risks. This approach aligns with Mercedes-Benz’s focus on reducing fire hazards in energy storage systems. The collaboration between the two companies dates back to 2016, with a significant investment, reportedly in the high double-digit million-euro range, made by Mercedes-Benz in 2022 to accelerate joint cell development efforts. The automaker has also taken a strategic role by having a representative on ProLogium’s Board of Directors, reflecting its long-term commitment to the partnership.
ProLogium’s Gen4 cells are engineered to deliver both high power output and energy capacity while maintaining operational reliability across extreme temperatures. Mercedes and ProLogium have collaborated since 2016. In 2022, Mercedes invested a high double-digit million euro amount in the Taiwanese battery developer and agreed on joint cell development. Even then, the automaker envisaged the potential use of the technology in selected models. Since then, the cooperation has expanded significantly. According to ProLogium, pouch and prismatic cell formats, as well as bipolar technology, have been tested, among other things.
Mercedes-Benz has not yet committed to full-scale adoption. Independent assessments will play a key role in determining whether the technology can be scaled for production. The agreement also carries strategic implications for Mercedes, as ProLogium is constructing a Gigafactory in Dunkirk, France, with an initial capacity of 4 GWh by 2030, eventually scaling to 44 GWh, potentially enabling a future European supply chain.
