Stellantis NV said Wednesday it plans to launch a demonstration fleet of Dodge Charger Daytona electric muscle cars in 2026 that will be equipped with solid-state batteries — an emerging technology that some view as the future of EVs.

Stellantis is working with its partner Factorial Inc. on the solid-state battery project, a Massachusetts based firm that received a $75 million investment from the automaker in 2021. Factorial's Electrolyte System Technology Cells, or FEST, will be used in the Chargers, and the fleet of muscle cars will allow the companies to conduct real-world road testing on the batteries.

Factorial says its solid-state battery technology — which, as the name suggests, uses a solid material inside instead of the liquid electrolyte of today's lithium-ion batteries — offers advantages including higher energy density and lower weight. Proponents of solid-state batteries also have long argued they're safer and cheaper, and would offer faster charging times. But widespread adoption still appears years away.

Factorial says its FEST design actually is only "quasi-solid," as it combines aspects of both solid-state electrolytes with the manufacturing advantages of the existing lithium-ion technology.

The company says on its website it's aiming to help lift EV range above 600 miles on a charge, compared to around 300 miles on many of today's vehicles, as well as substantially cutting the weight and size of conventional lithium-ion batteries. Dodge lists the range of its new EV Charger, set to be released soon, as 317 miles.

Factorial has partnered with several automakers beyond Stellantis, including Hyundai Motor Co. and Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Two years ago it announced it was set to open a pilot production plant in Methuen, Massachusetts where it would build the FEST battery cells.

“This demonstration fleet is an important milestone in our partnership with Factorial,” said Ned Curic, Stellantis’ chief engineering and technology officer, in a statement. “By integrating Factorial’s innovative battery solution into the STLA Large platform (which the Charger is built on), we are validating its potential to enhance our electric vehicle lineup, ensuring customers benefit from improved performance, longer driving ranges and faster charging times in the coming years.”

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