American Roads May Soon See Solid-State EV Batteries

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become a common sight on American roads, but the batteries powering them are still evolving. Most EVs use lithium-iron phosphate (LFP), nickel-manganese cobalt (NMC), or nickel-cobalt aluminum (NCA) batteries. These are well-known technologies, but they have been around for only about 20 years, which is a short time compared to the nearly 140-year history of internal combustion engines. A new type of battery, called solid-state, is being developed. This technology promises to combine the best features of current batteries: high performance, excellent energy density, long life, and stable thermal conductivity. However, these benefits come at a high cost. One company, Karma Automotive, is willing to invest in this new technology. They plan to ship the first mass-produced vehicle with solid-state batteries in the U. S. by February 2026. The car, called the Kaveya super coupe, is scheduled for release in 2027. So, what makes solid-state batteries different? Most EV batteries have two poles, the anode and cathode, with an ion moving between them. The electrolyte in these batteries is usually a gel-like substance. Solid-state batteries, or SSBs, use a solid electrolyte instead. This makes them more stable and energy-dense.Karma Automotive is testing a type of SSB called a quasi-solid-state battery, made by Factorial Energy. This design focuses on thermal stability and high energy density. Factorial claims that these batteries can provide double the range of current EVs while weighing about one-third less. While solid-state batteries offer many advantages, they are still expensive. This makes them currently unsuitable for mass-produced cars in the U. S. However, they represent the next big step in battery technology. The Karma Kaveya is a sleek, modern super coupe designed for high-end grand touring. Its name, "Kaveya, " means "power in motion" in Sanskrit. Karma claims the car can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds and reach speeds over 180 mph, thanks to its 1, 000 hp powertrain. According to Karma's website, the battery has a 120 kWh output, providing a combined torque of 1, 270 lb-ft. It can also charge from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes. This is slower than the 18 minutes estimated by Stellantis, which partnered with Factorial in April 2025 to use these batteries in Dodge demonstration vehicles. Despite the high cost, Karma is well-suited to this technology. The Kaveya represents the cutting edge of EV technology and could make a significant impact in the electric vehicle market.