Hydro-Québec partners with Mercedes-Benz on Development of Solid-State Battery Technologies

EIN QH MB Battery 400

Feb 20, 2020

Canadian battery material specialist Hydro-Québec partners with Mercedes-Benz AG as part of the auto maker’s research and development activities on future technological leaps of electric vehicles.

Hydro-Québec’s internationally renowned Center of Excellence in Transportation Electrification and Energy Storage is a leading research and development institute for advanced battery materials, focusing on solid-state battery technologies. With its latest developments Hydro-Québec has achieved promising results for future battery performance, range, weight, moreover harnessing the potential of solid-state-materials on safety, which can unleash new possibilities in vehicle electrification. Hydro-Québec and Mercedes-Benz researchers will cooperate to test new materials under field conditions to accelerate the development cycle.

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type used in electronics and electric vehicles. Solid-state lithium metal batteries are supposed to be the next important technology milestone, having a very high energy density, are long lasting, and very light. In addition, the technology is considered to be a safer alternative to regular lithium-ion batteries, as it does not use flammable liquid electrolytes. Hydro-Québec developed a first-generation solid-state battery in the 1990s and has continued its R&D to improve both efficiency and manufacturing methods. Their know how, widespread intellectual property portfolio and leading edge facilities draw interest from around the world and make it a sought-after partner for industry players involved in the development of tomorrow’s battery materials and technologies.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with Mercedes-Benz, an automotive company with an enviable reputation, to pursue our research even further,” said Karim Zaghib, General Manager of Hydro-Québec’s center of excellence in transportation electrification and energy storage. “Our association will allow us to test new materials quickly in field conditions, and so accelerate the development cycle and respond to the concerns of automobile manufacturers.”

The battery is not an off-the-shelf product, but an integral part of the vehicle architecture. The intelligence of the battery lies in a highly complex overall system, which defines the characteristics of the vehicle with respect to performance, range and charging times. As an integral and important element of Mercedes-Benz’s electrification strategy, competencies for the technological evaluation of materials and cells as well as research and development activities are consistently expanded. These include the continuous optimization of the current generation of Li-Ion battery systems, the further development of cells bought on the world market and research of the next generation battery systems.

“The battery is a key component of our electric vehicles. Mastering their chemistry is therefore a focal topic for Mercedes-Benz research and development. Solid-state batteries are supposed to be a next important technology leap for e-mobility, meaning an alternative to today’s li-ion battery systems. The latest advancements Hydro-Québec researchers have made are very promising and we are looking forward to the first results of our joint development program” said Jochen Hermann, Vice President Development eDrive, Mercedes-Benz AG.

The joint research activities will be carried out at Hydro-Québec’s center of excellence in transportation electrification and energy storage in Canada as well as the SCE France laboratory, a Hydro-Québec subsidiary.

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation and Collaboration at EFC’s 2025 Conference in Niagara

    Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation and Collaboration at EFC’s 2025 Conference in Niagara

    By Luc Rodier, Chair of the Board of Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) The 2025 EFC Conference in Niagara was a landmark occasion—marking 30 years of innovation, collaboration, and collective progress in the Canadian electrical industry. Set against the symbolic backdrop of the Canadian-U.S. border, this year’s theme, Electrifying Connections, couldn’t have been more fitting. As President and… Read More…

  • Industrial Wiring Devices: A Brief Intro and How to Choose Them

    Industrial Wiring Devices: A Brief Intro and How to Choose Them

    June 9, 2025 Introduction: With the multitude of options on the market, it can be difficult to decide whether you need a pin and sleeve wiring device or a plug and connector in your industrial plant or facility. You might find your head swirling with thoughts about which option is best. Or you may not… Read More…

  • Industry Leaders Head to Quebec to Strengthen Energy and Supply Chain Resilience

    Industry Leaders Head to Quebec to Strengthen Energy and Supply Chain Resilience

    June 9, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada On June 3 and 4, a high-level delegation from Canada’s electrical and automation sector travelled to Montreal and Quebec City for a series of strategic meetings with Quebec government officials and key stakeholders. Organized by Electro-Federation Canada (EFC), this mission underscores the critical role the industry plays in advancing… Read More…

  • Electrifying Connections: A Celebration of Legacy, A Vision for the Future

    Electrifying Connections: A Celebration of Legacy, A Vision for the Future

    June 9, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada This year’s Annual Industry Conference, held against the breathtaking backdrop of Niagara Falls, Ontario, was a landmark event with more than 710 Electro-Federation Canada community members. More than just a celebration of our shared history, it was a launchpad for new ideas, future-based dialogue, and deeper connections.   The energy and… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Eaton and Siemens Energy Partner to Provide Power and Technology to Accelerate New Data Center Capacity

    Eaton and Siemens Energy Partner to Provide Power and Technology to Accelerate New Data Center Capacity

    June 13, 2025 Eaton, and Siemens Energy have announced a fast-track approach to building data centers with integrated onsite power. They will address urgent market needs by offering reliable grid-independent energy supplies and standardized modular systems to facilitate swift data center construction and deployment. The collaboration will enable simultaneous construction of data centers and associated… Read More…

  • Latest Social Media Challenge Puts Students at Risk of Electrical Shock

    Latest Social Media Challenge Puts Students at Risk of Electrical Shock

    June 13, 2025 The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is warning Ontarians that a shocking new social media trend is putting students at risk of serious electrical injury including shock, burns or even fires. A pair of dangerous social media trends have been gaining interest from students. One has kids “challenging” each other to stick a… Read More…

  • Plan Group Announce New VP of Electrical

    Plan Group Announce New VP of Electrical

    June 13, 2025 Plan Group are proud to announce the promotion of Dave Scott as Vice President of Electrical. Dave has been a key part of Plan Group’s success for the last 16 years, leading with drive, accountability, and a deep understanding of what it takes to get the job done right. He will now… Read More…

  • Electro-Federation Canada Announces New Chair and Board of Directors for 2025-26

    Electro-Federation Canada Announces New Chair and Board of Directors for 2025-26

    June 13, 2025 On Monday, May 26, 2025, Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) held its Annual General Meeting, which included an update on key initiatives, the welcoming of a new Chair, and the election of the 2025-2026 Board of Directors. EFC President & CEO Carol McGlogan shared key highlights from the past year and provided a summary of the… Read More…