Mercedes has announced the upcoming G-Class EV will be offered with an optional battery pack that uses a silicon anode chemistry from Sila.
According to the automaker, the “high-silicon anode material will increase the energy density of batteries without compromising safety or other performance parameters.”
The company went on to say that compared to cells commercially available today, Sila’s technology allows for a 20-40% increase in energy density reaching more than 800 Wh/l at the cell level. That’s a sizable increase and it will enable future vehicles to “store much more energy in the same space,” thus increasing their range by a “significant amount.”
Also Read: Mercedes EQG Concept Previews The Fully Electric G-Class Of The Future
Mercedes isn’t ready to talk specifics, but they expect to offer an extended range G-Class EV with Sila’s battery technology around 2025. The company added the silicon anode materials will be manufactured in Sila’s Washington state plant using 100% renewable energy and Mercedes is the factory’s “first publicly announced automotive customer.”
While Sila isn’t a household name, Mercedes invested in the company in 2019 as part of their research and development efforts to create advanced batteries for future electric vehicles. That investment is now set to pay off as upcoming models will feature high-tech batteries that offer significantly longer ranges than traditional batteries.
In a statement, Mercedes Chief Technology Officer Markus Schäfer said “… In Sila we have a leading partner who will help us power our future generation of electric luxury vehicles with their highly innovative anode technology. Delivering such a high energy density is a true game changer and allows us to think in completely new directions when developing future electric cars.”
His sentiments were echoed by Sila CEO Gene Berdichevsky, who remarked “We’re focused on delivering materials that are cost-efficient and capable of delivering on the promise of electric vehicles, working to ensure longer range energy, improved charge times, and lowering battery cost per kWh.”
Note: Mercedes EQG concept pictured
