News

Mercedes-Benz Strengthens Solid-State Battery Partnership With ProLogium as 1,205-km EV Range Becomes Reality

Leave a comment

Mercedes-Benz is taking another major step toward the next generation of electric vehicles by deepening its partnership with Taiwanese battery specialist ProLogium. The agreement gives Mercedes-Benz priority access to ProLogium’s fourth-generation solid-state battery cells, allowing the German automaker to test technology that could significantly improve EV range, charging speed, safety and battery efficiency.

The partnership comes as the global automotive industry accelerates its development of solid-state batteries, widely regarded as one of the most important potential breakthroughs in electric vehicle technology.

Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, which use a liquid electrolyte, solid-state batteries replace it with a non-flammable solid material. The change has the potential to deliver higher energy density, faster charging, improved safety and longer battery life while potentially reducing some of the limitations associated with today’s EV battery technology.

Mercedes-Benz Gets Priority Access to ProLogium Gen4 Solid-State Cells

Mercedes-Benz and ProLogium have been working together for more than a decade, developing and evaluating advanced battery technologies for future electric vehicles.

Under the strengthened partnership, Mercedes-Benz will receive priority access to ProLogium’s fourth-generation lithium ceramic battery cells. The German automaker will conduct electrical, thermal and safety testing at its own facilities as well as through independent third-party testing institutes.

ProLogium’s Gen4 technology uses ceramic separator technology combined with a non-flammable inorganic electrolyte. According to the company, the architecture is designed to provide high power output while also supporting rapid charging.

For Mercedes-Benz, the agreement provides an opportunity to evaluate the technology under demanding automotive conditions before potential integration into future production EVs.

“At Mercedes-Benz, we are committed to shaping the future of electric mobility through technological leadership and innovation,” said Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

“Our long-standing partnership with ProLogium is a strong example of how we bring the best expertise together to advance next-generation battery technologies. By combining ProLogium’s pioneering solid-state battery approach with Mercedes-Benz’s deep battery development, testing and integration capabilities, we are taking the next step in exploring advanced battery technologies for future electric vehicles.”

Why Solid-State Batteries Matter for Electric Cars

Battery technology remains one of the biggest areas of competition among automakers, and solid-state batteries could address several of the key limitations of current electric vehicles.

A higher energy density would allow automakers to store more energy without necessarily increasing battery-pack size or weight. For consumers, that could translate into longer driving ranges from similarly sized battery packs.

Fast charging is another major target. If solid-state cells can achieve consistently high charging speeds without compromising durability or safety, future EVs could spend considerably less time connected to a charger.

Safety is equally important. The non-flammable nature of the electrolyte used in ProLogium’s lithium ceramic technology could reduce some of the thermal risks associated with conventional battery systems.

The technology could therefore have an impact beyond simply increasing driving range. A successful solid-state battery could influence vehicle packaging, weight, charging infrastructure requirements and overall EV performance.

Mercedes-Benz Is Testing More Than One Solid-State Battery Technology

ProLogium is not Mercedes-Benz’s only partner in the race toward solid-state batteries.

The German manufacturer is also working with U.S.-based Factorial Energy, testing lithium-metal solid-state battery technology.

That partnership has already produced a striking real-world demonstration.

A Mercedes-Benz EQS fitted with a Factorial solid-state battery pack completed a test drive covering 748.8 miles, or 1,205 kilometers, on a single charge. Even more significant, Mercedes-Benz said the vehicle still had an estimated 85 miles, or 137 kilometers, of range remaining when the test ended.

That suggests a theoretical total range of more than 1,340 kilometers under the conditions of the test, although the result should not be interpreted as an official production-vehicle WLTP range figure.

Nevertheless, the test demonstrates why automakers are investing heavily in solid-state technology. Range figures approaching or exceeding 1,000 kilometers could fundamentally change how consumers perceive long-distance electric travel.

ProLogium Is Preparing for European Battery Production

ProLogium already operates a large battery manufacturing facility in Taiwan, but the company’s European expansion could become particularly important for Mercedes-Benz and other automakers on the continent.

The company is planning a battery manufacturing facility in Dunkirk, France, with a projected capacity of up to 44 GWh.

The French plant is intended to supply battery cells to customers across Europe, potentially giving ProLogium a strategically important manufacturing base close to major automotive markets.

For Mercedes-Benz, local European battery production could also simplify future supply chains if ProLogium’s technology progresses from testing to series production.

Mercedes-Benz Is Joining a Global Solid-State Battery Race

Mercedes-Benz is far from alone in pursuing solid-state batteries.

Major automakers including Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Volkswagen, Stellantis, BYD and Chery are also investing in or testing various forms of next-generation battery technology.

The approaches differ significantly. Some companies are focusing on lithium-metal architectures, while others are developing ceramic, sulfide or alternative solid electrolytes.

The industry is also moving from laboratory development toward vehicle-level testing, suggesting that solid-state batteries are gradually transitioning from a long-term research project into a potential production technology.

The biggest challenge remains scaling. A battery cell can perform impressively in laboratory or prototype testing, but producing millions of reliable cells at competitive cost is a much more difficult engineering and manufacturing problem.

The Next Big Step for Mercedes-Benz EVs

The strengthened ProLogium partnership does not mean that a production Mercedes-Benz EV with Gen4 solid-state batteries is ready to launch. The cells must still undergo extensive electrical, thermal, safety, durability and integration testing before any decision on mass production can be made.

However, Mercedes-Benz’s parallel work with ProLogium and Factorial Energy shows that the company is pursuing multiple solid-state battery solutions rather than relying on a single technology.

If these technologies successfully make the transition into high-volume production, the implications could be substantial. Longer range, significantly faster charging, lower battery weight and improved safety could make future Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles fundamentally different from today’s EQ models.

For now, ProLogium’s fourth-generation lithium ceramic cells represent another important step in that development process. And with Mercedes-Benz gaining priority access for testing, the partnership could provide an early look at what the next generation of long-range electric cars will be capable of.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

NEW CARS

2027 Toyota Corolla Could Become a Liftback With Hybrid, PHEV, EV and GR Performance Versions

Leave a comment

Toyota appears to be preparing a major transformation for one of its most important nameplates. The next-generation Toyota Corolla is reportedly set to move beyond the conventional sedan and hatchback formulas, potentially adopting a liftback body style while expanding its powertrain lineup to include hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fully electric and high-performance GR variants.

The Corolla remains one of Toyota’s strongest sellers in the United States despite its age. Toyota dealers delivered 131,403 Corolla models during the first six months of the year, representing a 9.5 percent increase compared with the same period a year earlier. That growth is particularly notable considering the current-generation Corolla has been on the market for almost a decade.

However, a replacement is reportedly on the way.

Next-Generation Toyota Corolla Could Become a Liftback

Toyota has already hinted at the design direction of the next Corolla. A teaser released over the summer appeared to preview the upcoming model, with styling cues reportedly influenced by the Toyota Corolla Concept shown at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.

According to a report from Car and Driver, Toyota could make a significant change to the Corolla lineup by replacing the traditional sedan with a liftback.

Such a move would allow Toyota to effectively combine the characteristics of the existing Corolla sedan and hatchback into a single model. A liftback could retain the practicality of a hatchback while offering a more streamlined silhouette closer to that of a conventional sedan.

The strategy would also fit with Toyota CEO Koji Sato’s broader push to reduce the number of vehicle variants offered by the company. Simplifying the lineup could help Toyota reduce complexity and improve profitability.

That raises an obvious question: does Toyota really need separate Corolla sedan and hatchback models when the company already offers the Corolla Cross?

For now, Toyota has not confirmed whether the next Corolla will adopt the liftback configuration.

Updated TNGA-C Platform Expected

The next-generation Corolla is reportedly expected to continue using Toyota’s TNGA-C architecture, albeit in an updated form.

That would allow Toyota to retain an established platform while incorporating new powertrain technologies and potentially improving efficiency, packaging and driving dynamics.

One of the most interesting aspects of the new Corolla could be the sheer number of propulsion options. Reports suggest Toyota could offer as many as four distinct powertrain configurations.

That would give the Corolla one of the broadest powertrain strategies in its segment.

New Toyota Corolla Hybrid Could Focus on Efficiency

The hybrid version is expected to remain a core part of the Corolla lineup.

According to current reports, the next Corolla Hybrid could use a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with Toyota’s hybrid technology. Total system output is reportedly expected to be around 134 hp (100 kW/136 PS).

That figure would be broadly similar to the output of the current Corolla Hybrid, meaning Toyota may prioritize efficiency rather than outright performance.

And that could be the more important upgrade.

Fuel economy is reportedly expected to improve by approximately 10 to 20 percent. If that estimate materializes, the next Corolla Hybrid could become significantly more competitive in a market where fuel efficiency remains one of the model’s defining advantages.

An all-wheel-drive option could also remain available, following the formula used by the current Corolla Hybrid.

Plug-In Hybrid Corolla Could Offer More Electric Driving

Toyota is also reportedly preparing a plug-in hybrid version of the next-generation Corolla.

The Corolla PHEV would presumably use a larger battery pack than the standard hybrid, allowing it to travel considerably farther on electric power alone.

A more powerful electric motor is also expected.

Toyota has been expanding its plug-in hybrid strategy across several markets, and introducing the technology to the Corolla could give the compact car another way to bridge the gap between conventional hybrids and fully electric vehicles.

For buyers who want lower fuel consumption without committing entirely to an EV, a Corolla Plug-In Hybrid could become an important addition to the lineup.

Fully Electric Toyota Corolla Also Expected

Perhaps the biggest change could be the arrival of a fully electric Corolla.

Reports indicate that the next-generation Corolla EV could offer at least 250 miles (402 km) of range. An optional dual-motor all-wheel-drive system is also reportedly under consideration.

If those specifications become reality, the electric Corolla would occupy a very different position from today’s gasoline and hybrid models, effectively turning the Corolla nameplate into a broader electrified family.

The dual-motor configuration could also give the EV considerably more performance than the efficiency-focused hybrid versions.

Toyota has historically taken a multi-path approach to electrification rather than relying exclusively on battery-electric vehicles, and a Corolla lineup featuring hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV models would fit directly into that strategy.

Gasoline Corolla Could Get a Turbocharged Engine

Despite the expansion of electrified powertrains, Toyota reportedly isn’t abandoning the internal-combustion Corolla.

The conventional gasoline-powered model could receive either a turbocharged 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter engine.

That would represent a significant change from the naturally aspirated engines used in many versions of the current Corolla and could provide a stronger combination of performance and efficiency.

The exact engine configuration remains unclear, but turbocharging could give the next Corolla more low-end torque while allowing Toyota to maintain relatively modest engine displacement.

GR Corolla Could Become a 400-PS Hot Hatch

At the top of the performance range, the GR Corolla is expected to continue with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

However, the next-generation model could become considerably more powerful.

Reports suggest Toyota could target as much as 395 hp (295 kW/400 PS) for the next GR Corolla. That would push the compact performance car toward the 400-hp threshold and represent a substantial increase over the current model.

The GR Corolla’s existing formula—compact dimensions, turbocharged power and all-wheel drive—has already made it one of the most distinctive performance cars in Toyota’s lineup. More power could take the next-generation version into an even more serious performance category.

Whether the reported 395-hp figure becomes production reality remains to be seen.

One Corolla, Four Powertrain Strategies

If the reports prove accurate, Toyota could transform the Corolla from a relatively conventional compact car into a comprehensive family of electrified and performance-oriented models.

The expected lineup could look something like this:

  • Corolla Hybrid: 1.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid, around 134 hp, with potential AWD
  • Corolla Plug-In Hybrid: Larger battery and more powerful electric motor
  • Corolla EV: At least 250 miles of estimated range, with optional dual-motor AWD
  • Corolla Gasoline: Turbocharged 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter engine
  • GR Corolla: 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with potentially up to 395 hp

That would give Toyota a way to cover everything from maximum fuel efficiency to near-400-hp performance under a single globally recognized nameplate.

Source: Toyota

NEW CARS

Škoda Karoq Black Edition Debuts as the Most Luxurious Karoq Yet

Leave a comment

Škoda is giving its popular Karoq SUV a significant upgrade with the introduction of the new Karoq Black Edition, a range-topping model created to celebrate a major production milestone: the millionth Karoq rolling off the production line.

Positioned above the existing SportLine Edition, the new Škoda Karoq Black Edition combines an aggressive blacked-out exterior, a more luxurious cabin, additional technology and a choice of petrol and diesel powertrains. It will become the most comprehensively equipped Karoq ever offered by Škoda when orders open on 1 October 2026.

First deliveries are expected before the end of 2026, with UK pricing starting at £39,160.

Škoda Karoq Black Edition Gets a Distinctive Blacked-Out Design

The Karoq Black Edition takes the familiar SportLine specification and adds a much more distinctive visual identity.

The exterior is dominated by black detailing, including 19-inch Vega black alloy wheels, black roof rails, black door mirrors and a black radiator grille. Sports front and rear bumpers further separate the Black Edition from other versions of the Karoq.

Škoda has also fitted a rear diffuser and black Škoda and Karoq lettering on the tailgate. Buyers will be restricted to a monochrome metallic paint palette, reinforcing the model’s dark-themed appearance.

The result is a Karoq with a sportier and more sophisticated presence, while retaining the practical proportions that have made the compact SUV one of Škoda’s best-selling models.

More Luxury Inside the Karoq Black Edition

The changes are even more extensive inside.

The Škoda Karoq Black Edition comes standard with Sportline Suite leather seats, a panoramic glass sunroof and black headlining. An LED interior lighting package adds further ambience and includes a Škoda welcome logo.

The driver gets a three-spoke heated leather multifunction steering wheel, with DSG paddle shifters fitted to automatic versions, while aluminium pedals add a sportier touch.

Comfort has also been given a major focus. Both the front and rear seats are heated, while tri-zone climate control allows different temperature settings for different areas of the cabin.

For audiophiles, the Black Edition comes equipped with a CANTON sound system, adding a premium audio experience to the model’s already extensive standard specification.

Matrix LED Headlights and Advanced Chassis Technology

The new Karoq Black Edition isn’t simply an appearance package. Škoda has also upgraded the SUV’s lighting, comfort and driving technology.

Every Black Edition receives Full LED Matrix headlights with an adaptive front light system, cornering function and poor-weather lighting. A heated windscreen is also standard, making the SUV better suited to colder winter conditions.

The chassis specification is equally comprehensive. Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and Progressive Steering are standard, giving the Karoq Black Edition a more sophisticated driving character while allowing the suspension and steering systems to adapt to different driving conditions.

Four Engines, Including DSG and 4×4 Options

Škoda will offer the Karoq Black Edition with four drivetrain configurations, giving buyers a choice between manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions as well as front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

The entry point is the 1.5 TSI 150PS, available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG automatic.

Above it sits the 2.0 TSI 190PS, paired exclusively with a seven-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. This provides the highest-output petrol powertrain available for the new Black Edition.

Diesel buyers get the 2.0 TDI 150PS, also equipped with a seven-speed DSG and all-wheel drive. It sits at the top of the Black Edition price range.

All engines are members of the Volkswagen Group’s EVO-generation engine family, designed to combine performance with improved efficiency.

Škoda Karoq Black Edition Price and Specifications

UK pricing for the new Karoq Black Edition starts at £39,160 OTR and rises to £46,035 for the range-topping diesel 4×4.

ModelUK Price OTR
Karoq Black Edition 1.5 TSI 150PS Manual£39,160
Karoq Black Edition 1.5 TSI 150PS DSG£40,610
Karoq Black Edition 2.0 TSI 190PS DSG 4×4£45,335
Karoq Black Edition 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG 4×4£46,035

Orders open on 1 October 2026, with the first customer deliveries expected by the end of the year.

Source: Škoda

Cars and catalogues