All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Solid-State Batteries Remain the EV Industry’s Elusive Game-Changer

For over a decade, solid-state batteries have been heralded as the next great leap in electric vehicle (EV) technology—a breakthrough that could render today’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistries obsolete. Yet despite years of hype and high expectations, that breakthrough remains just out of reach.

Still, the automotive industry isn’t giving up. Global giants like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis continue to invest heavily in solid-state battery development, drawn by the potential of EVs capable of traveling over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) on a single charge—along with the promise of improved safety, lighter weight, and more efficient packaging.

BMW Charges Forward

BMW is among the most active in the space, recently beginning tests of a specially-equipped i7 prototype fitted with solid-state cells developed by U.S.-based Solid Power. These sulfide-based electrolytes are seen as key to unlocking greater energy density and thermal stability. According to BMW, these cells will play a major role in its upcoming Neue Klasse lineup—though full-scale production likely won’t begin until well into the 2030s.

Mercedes-Benz Takes It to the Streets

Not to be outdone, Mercedes-Benz has also begun real-world testing of solid-state batteries, retrofitting its flagship EQS sedan earlier this year with a pack developed by Factorial Energy. The result? A battery boasting 25% higher energy density than current models, in a more compact and lighter form factor.

“These benefits not only lead to longer vehicle ranges but also affect the vehicle design, for example the architecture,” explained Uwe Keller, head of battery development at Mercedes. “Solid-state cells are also less prone to overheating,” he added—highlighting the improved safety profile that makes this technology so attractive to automakers.

Stellantis Eyes a 2026 Test Window

Stellantis—parent company of brands like Jeep, Peugeot, and Fiat—is also partnering with Factorial Energy on its own solid-state battery push. Road testing is expected to begin in 2026. According to Anne Laliron, Stellantis’ SVP of tech research, “Solid state is the North Star in battery chemistry,” offering automakers a unique tradeoff: more range or fewer materials—both of which contribute to lower costs and reduced carbon footprints.

Japan’s Race to the Finish

While Europe and the U.S. continue testing, Japanese automakers are racing to be first to market. Toyota says it will begin production of solid-state batteries by 2027, with Nissan aiming for a 2028 launch. However, given Nissan’s recent internal struggles, timelines may shift—once again demonstrating how challenging commercialization of this tech can be.

The Road Ahead

Despite slow progress, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If the promises of solid-state batteries hold true—greater range, enhanced safety, faster charging, and better packaging—they could usher in a new era of electric mobility. But until the technology scales economically and proves reliable under mass-market conditions, the dream of a solid-state future remains just that: a dream.

Still, with some of the world’s largest automakers now testing real-world prototypes, that dream may finally be inching closer to reality.

Source: Automotive News

News

Dash Bespoke Introduces Custom Supercar Platform with TR01 Chassis

In the world of supercars, personalization often comes at a premium—if it’s offered at all. Buyers are typically funneled into narrow spec sheets, handed a few trim options, and told to enjoy their six-figure machines just like everyone else. Full customization? That’s a privilege reserved for the ultra-rich and limited to the sacred stables of brands like Ferrari.

But a new British company is aiming to change that.

Enter Dash Bespoke, a fresh offshoot of renowned racing engineering firm Dash, which has been in the motorsport trenches since 2006. Their mission? To give enthusiasts and visionaries a more accessible pathway to creating a truly one-of-a-kind supercar—built virtually from the ground up.

At the heart of Dash Bespoke’s offering is the TR01 platform, a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque chassis first unveiled in 2023. Not only is it ultra-stiff and performance-ready, but it’s also fully Euro NCAP compliant—making it legal for road use in the UK. The chassis accommodates a wide range of powertrains, from electric setups to burly V-8s, and supports everything from road-going supercars to purpose-built race machines.

“The TR01 allows us to create a completely tailored vehicle without starting from scratch every time,” explains Dash CEO Tim Robathan. “Bringing a bespoke or low-volume performance vehicle to life is a monumental undertaking. For many brands and visionaries, the obstacles involved can bring a project to a halt. That’s why we created Dash Bespoke.”

Their first creation will be unveiled to the world at this summer’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Called the SlipStream, the debut model will feature a mid-mounted V-8 engine from New Zealand’s Hartley Engineering—the same powerplant specialists behind the Nilu27 supercar. The SlipStream also boasts bespoke carbon fiber subframes, light alloy suspension components, and high-performance hydraulic dampers from Nitron.

While Dash hasn’t released pricing, it’s safe to assume the SlipStream won’t be cheap. But with the promise of true customization—beyond what traditional supercar makers are willing to offer—it could very well be a more cost-effective and flexible alternative for those dreaming beyond the showroom catalog.

In a market often defined by exclusivity and restriction, Dash Bespoke is offering something rare: a blank canvas with a high-performance heart. And for the passionate few who want more than just another badge on the hood, that might be the most valuable luxury of all.

Source: Dash Bespoke

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Dash Bespoke Introduces Custom Supercar Platform with TR01 Chassis
News

Ram Teases New Passenger Van Amid Aggressive Brand Overhaul

Less than a year into retirement, Tim Kuniskis is back—and already making bold moves at the helm of the Ram brand. The former Dodge boss, known for bringing muscle back to the mainstream, has returned to steer Ram through one of its most pivotal transitions yet. Since his return, he’s reignited the Hemi V-8 for Ram’s half-ton pickups, delayed the all-electric Ram 1500 Rev for strategic recalibration, introduced an industry-leading powertrain warranty, and even returned the brand to the NASCAR Truck Series. But now, he’s dropped a curveball: Ram may be entering the passenger van game.

In a recent interview with CNBC highlighting his comeback and Ram’s revitalization, Kuniskis hinted at the unexpected—potentially adding a passenger van to the lineup. While light on details, the tease adds to an already packed agenda, as Kuniskis confirmed Ram has more than 25 product announcements planned between now and the end of 2026.

Currently, Ram’s only van offering is the ProMaster, a commercial cargo vehicle available in a “Crew” setup with two rows of seats. Its European counterpart, the Fiat Ducato, is sold in a passenger configuration overseas, and Ram previously offered the smaller ProMaster City as a passenger van before it was axed in 2022. Kuniskis’ remarks suggest the brand may now be eyeing something broader—or perhaps more family-friendly. Could a Ram minivan be in the cards?

The move would be unorthodox but timely. Since 2019, Ram’s overall sales have plummeted 39%, and its once-dominant 1500 pickup has lost significant ground in the fiercely competitive half-ton segment. With Stellantis still reeling from the underwhelming tenure of former CEO Carlos Tavares, revitalizing Ram—the group’s profit powerhouse thanks to its pickup sales—is more crucial than ever.

If Ram does indeed enter the passenger van space, it would face limited but formidable competition. The commercial passenger van segment is currently dominated by Ford’s Transit, Mercedes-Benz’s Sprinter, and GM’s aging duo—the Chevy Express and GMC Savana. Meanwhile, the minivan market has proven surprisingly resilient, with strong offerings from Chrysler (Pacifica), Honda (Odyssey), Kia (Carnival), Toyota (Sienna), and the retro-futuristic VW ID.Buzz.

Whether it’s a new mid-size truck, a reimagined passenger van, or something else entirely, one thing is clear: Tim Kuniskis isn’t just back—he’s back with a plan. And Ram, after years in decline, might just be on the brink of a true comeback.

Source: CNBC