Mercedes-Benz will incorporate Sila’s silicon anode chemistry in batteries for their electric G-Class.
German automaker Mercedes Benz announced on Tuesday that it would work with Sila, a next-generation battery materials company, to incorporate Sila’s silicon anode chemistry in batteries for the upcoming electric Mercedes Benz G-Class.
The battery used silicon-based anodes, and compared with the current batteries that are commercially used, Sila’s technology enables a 20-40% increase in energy density, reaching more than 800 Wh/l at the cell level, the automaker said. It will make the car store more energy in the same space and increase the range by a significant amount.
Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, said in a statement, “We’re glad that 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. Our partnership with Sila is another essential step on our way to build the most desirable electric luxury cars,”
Mercedes Benz is the first publicly announced automotive customer of Sila Nanotech. Last 2019, the German automaker invested in Sila as part of the company’s research and development of the next-generation batteries.
“We’re focused on delivering materials that are cost-efficient and capable of delivering on the promise of electric vehicles, working to ensure long-range energy, improved charge times, and lowering battery cost per kWh.” Sila’s Gene Berdichevsky, Co-founder, and CEO.
In 2021, Sila managed to raise an additional $590 million, boosting its valuation to an estimated $3.3 billion. It was founded by an ex-Tesla engineer and aimed to cut costs and make EVs’ range longer through its technology. Additionally, it will also open a new factory in Washington due in 2024.
“With our new plant in Washington, we’re ensuring we can meet the requirements of our auto partners like Mercedes-Benz as they transition to a fully electric future,” Berdichevsky said.
