Electrive writes that the "Industrial Cell Lab" in Stuttgart cost the company over 100 million euros, with the name of the facility making it clear that it will be focused on the development of next-generation batteries for the automotive industry. Thus, the German car brand will take on the development and the production of new cells in specialized laboratories.

Mercedes Board Member for Development Markus Schäfer said that "our goal is to reduce costs by more than 30 per cent – and increase performance."

Mercedes-Benz aims to develop new cells that can compete with those from other companies in terms of high energy density, fast charging and performance. Still, the scientists won't be focusing on developing a single cell, but rather, different chemistries to suit different types of vehicles.

The high-silicon anodes could increase energy density for these cells to 900 Wh/l.

It's not just the development of the cells that Mercedes will focus on, but the manufacturing process, as well, since the company wants these cells to be as durable as possible, leading to higher-quality batteries.

Besides the initial 10.000 square meter building opened in Stuttgart, Mercedes officials announced two new buildings with a total surface of 20.000 square meter surface, which could be completed by the end of this year.

Photo source: Mercedes-Benz