We Already Know Who Wants Goodenough's Solid-State Cells: Daimler

Hydro-Québec announced a partnership with the carmaker to develop them.

We would not expect it to be otherwise, but that was definitely fast. Hydro-Québec announced on January 31 that it would help license the patents for the innovative solid-glass electrolyte that was developed by John B. Goodenough and Maria Helena Braga. On February 4, it informed that Mercedes-Benz AG, a subsidiary of Daimler AG, would help it develop solid-state battery technology. In other words, we already know who will try to license Goodenough’s technology first.

Gallery: Hydro-Québec Will Help Sell Innovative Solid-State Battery Electrolyte

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It is not unlikely that the two initiatives are independent, as the press release’s tone suggests, but it is quite a coincidence that they are so close. Both refer to the same groundbreaking technology. Hydro-Québec wants to help sell the solid-state electrolyte technology, and Daimler intends to have it. We think that will inevitably lead to a deal.

Look what Jochen Hermann, Vice President of Development eDrive at Mercedes-Benz AG, had to say about the deal:

“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 the 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.”