Mercedes tests new Gen4 battery cells from ProLogium
Mercedes-Benz is expanding its collaboration with ProLogium and is gaining preferential access to its new Gen4 battery technology. The cells will now be comprehensively tested for their suitability for potential future vehicle applications.
ProLogium is planning to build a cell factory in Dunkirk with up to 44 GWh annual capacity.
Image: ProLogium
The focus is on ProLogium’s so-called Gen4 Superfluidized Inorganic Next-Generation Lithium Ceramic Battery. Mercedes will examine the cells electrically, thermally, and for safety in its own testing facilities, as well as at specialised external institutes.
No decision on series production has been made yet. The tests aim first to determine whether the technology is fundamentally suitable for future Mercedes models. ProLogium claims its Gen4 cells offer high energy density, fast-charging capability, high power output, and strong low-temperature performance. According to the company, the safety architecture includes a non-flammable inorganic electrolyte, ceramic separators, and its own active safety concept. However, ProLogium has not disclosed specific figures for energy density or charging power for the cells currently being tested by Mercedes in its latest announcement.
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 remains a strategic investor and is represented by a member on ProLogium’s Board of Directors.
Collaboration dates back to 2016
In parallel, Mercedes is pursuing other development paths for solid-state batteries. As early as 2021, the company invested in US developer Factorial Energy and also entered into a development cooperation there. The new testing agreement with ProLogium is therefore part of a broader technology portfolio and not yet a commitment to a single cell approach.
ProLogium has so far produced its battery cells primarily at its Taoke Gigafactory in Taiwan. According to the company, it has validated GWh-scale production there and manufactures, among other things, C-samples and cells for demonstration vehicles.
At the same time, ProLogium is also expanding its European production. A Gigafactory is being built in the French city of Dunkirk, with the first phase designed for an annual capacity of 4 GWh. This capacity is to be achieved gradually by 2030. In the long term, the site is planned to have a capacity of up to 44 GWh.
For Mercedes, the agreement is not only technically interesting but also with a view to a potential European supply chain. If the Gen4 technology proves itself in the tests, ProLogium could prospectively supply cells from its European production. However, the companies have not yet announced a concrete timeline for series production or specific vehicle platforms.