Factorial has become the first company to receive safety certification for a large, 100 Ah solid-state lithium metal battery cell (writes Nick Flaherty).

The large-format automotive solid-state cell has received the United Nations 38.3 safety certification. UN 38.3 covers the safe transportation of lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries. It involves a series of tests performed by a third party, including crush, thermal, vibration, shock, external short-circuit, altitude simulation, and forced discharge.

The tests ensure the batteries can withstand various conditions without any hazards, and are mandatory for batteries that are transported by air, sea or land.

Factorial says its proprietary, undisclosed electrolyte system technology used in the solid-state cell provides up to 50% higher energy density than modern lithium-ion cells with liquid electrolytes, and the UN 38.3 certification enables the company to ship 100 Ah cells to customers and partners around the world.