Mercedes-Benz is expanding its collaboration with Taiwanese battery developer ProLogium, gaining preferential access to the company’s Gen4 battery technology for testing. The automaker will evaluate the cells for potential future vehicle applications, although no decision on series production has been made.
Gen4 Cells Under Evaluation
The testing programme focuses on ProLogium’s Gen4 Superfluidized Inorganic Next-Generation Lithium Ceramic Battery. Mercedes-Benz will assess the cells electrically, thermally and for safety at its own facilities and at specialised external testing institutes.
ProLogium says the Gen4 technology is designed to combine high energy density, fast charging, high power output and low-temperature performance. The company’s stated safety approach includes a non-flammable inorganic electrolyte, ceramic separators and an active safety system.
ProLogium has not disclosed specific energy-density or charging-power figures for the cells currently being evaluated by Mercedes-Benz.
The current testing programme is intended to establish whether the technology is suitable for potential future Mercedes-Benz models. The companies have not committed to series production or identified specific vehicle platforms.
Partnership Dates Back to 2016
Mercedes-Benz and ProLogium have worked together since 2016. In 2022, Mercedes-Benz invested a high double-digit million-euro amount in the Taiwanese battery developer and agreed to cooperate on cell development.
The companies have since expanded their technical cooperation. According to ProLogium, they have tested different cell formats, including pouch and prismatic cells, as well as bipolar technology.
Mercedes-Benz remains a strategic investor in ProLogium and has a representative on the battery company’s Board of Directors.
Mercedes-Benz Pursues Multiple Battery Technologies
The expanded ProLogium agreement forms part of Mercedes-Benz’s broader battery development strategy rather than representing a commitment to a single cell technology.
The automaker invested in U.S.-based battery developer Factorial Energy in 2021 and also established a development partnership with the company to work on solid-state battery technology.
Mercedes-Benz is therefore evaluating different approaches to next-generation batteries as it develops future electric vehicle technologies.
ProLogium Expands Production In Europe
ProLogium currently produces battery cells primarily at its Taoke Gigafactory in Taiwan. The company said it has validated GWh-scale production at the facility and manufactures C-samples and cells for demonstration vehicles.
The company is also developing a battery gigafactory in Dunkirk, France. The first phase is planned to reach an annual production capacity of 4 GWh, with capacity expected to be increased gradually through 2030.
In the longer term, ProLogium plans for the French facility to reach up to 44 GWh of annual capacity.
For Mercedes-Benz, the European production project could potentially provide an additional supply source if ProLogium’s Gen4 technology progresses toward vehicle applications. However, neither company has announced a timeline for series production or confirmed which Mercedes-Benz models or platforms could use the cells.
The immediate focus remains on testing the Gen4 technology and assessing its suitability for future electric vehicles.
