Factorial and SK On partner to advance solid-state battery production

The automotive industry is preparing for a transition from traditional lithium-ion batteries to solid-state technology. American company Factorial has entered a non-binding collaboration agreement with South Korean battery giant SK On to research methods for mass-producing solid-state batteries.

A primary focus of the partnership is determining if existing lithium-ion production lines can be retrofitted to manufacture Factorial’s FEST cells. If successful, Factorial estimates this could reduce required initial investments by approximately 80 percent. SK On possesses significant manufacturing capacity, with annual capabilities exceeding 200 GWh, supplying major manufacturers including Hyundai, Ford, Volkswagen, and Ferrari.

This development comes as competition intensifies between Western and Asian manufacturers. While companies in China, Japan, and South Korea are investing heavily in the industrialization of new battery technologies, Factorial aims to leverage existing infrastructure to accelerate the deployment of solid-state cells.