When automakers switched from using nickel-metal hydride batteries to lithium-ion in electric vehicles, it represented a major leap in terms of energy capacity, charging speed and power output.

The next leap in battery technology will likely come from solid-state batteries, which multiple automakers are testing or developing for future application.

One such automaker is Stellantis.

The company no longer intends to have an entirely electric future, but it still plans to have a significant electric future.

Stellantis partnered with Factorial Inc., a battery manufacturer developing solid-state batteries.

Stellantis integrated the company’s Factorial Electrolyte System Technology (FEST) solid-state battery technology into a Dodge Charger Daytona test mule for road testing.

The automaker said this is the first integration of solid-state cells in a Stellantis vehicle.

“Battery development is a balancing act. It’s not enough to optimize a single metric. We need a system that delivers real benefits in a real vehicle,” said Ned Curic, Stellantis chief engineering and technology officer, in a news release.

“This milestone shows we are bringing solid-state batteries closer to our customers with the potential for longer range, faster charging and lower costs. Just as important, FEST’s strong compatibility with lithium-ion manufacturing processes gives us a critical path to scale this technology.”

The automaker said the road-testing program will help tune the battery technology and further verify its performance, reliability and safety during driving and charging conditions.

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