Buyers look beyond sticker price in car purchases
South African car buyers are increasingly considering the full cost of ownership rather than focusing solely on the showroom price or monthly instalment.
- Dealer News
- 12 September 2026
Stellantis and Factorial Inc (Factorial) unveiled a next chapter in their partnership to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation electric vehicles (EVs) powered by Factorial’s solid-state battery technology.
This initiative builds upon the 1 billion rand investment Stellantis made in Factorial in 2021.
Stellantis will launch a demonstration fleet of all-new Dodge Charger Daytona vehicles by 2026 equipped with Factorial’s solid-state batteries, marking a key next step in the commercialisation of this promising technology. This demonstration fleet will enable the validation of Factorial’s technology and the assessment of its performance in real-world driving conditions.
Factorial will supply Stellantis with cells based on its proprietary FEST® solid-state battery technology, which enables a specific energy density of over 390 Wh/kg. Factorial’s FEST® offers substantial advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, including higher energy density, reduced weight, improved performance and a potential for further reduction in total vehicle cost over time. This makes it an ideal candidate for powering next-generation EVs.
Stellantis has selected the STLA Large multi-energy platform for this innovative technology owing to its focus on high-volume electric SUVs and performance vehicles. The STLA Large platform, a cornerstone of Stellantis’s Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, includes brands such as Jeep®, Dodge, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo and Maserati. It is designed to support up to two million vehicles globally, making it perfectly suited for this innovative battery technology.
“This demonstration fleet is an important milestone in our partnership with Factorial,” says Ned Curic, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer at Stellantis. “By integrating Factorial’s innovative battery solution into the STLA Large platform, we are validating its potential to enhance our electric vehicle line-up, ensuring customers benefit from improved performance, longer driving ranges and faster charging times in the coming years.”
“We are honoured to be part of this journey with Stellantis to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles,” says Siyu Huang, Factorial’s CEO and Co-Founder. “We believe solid-state technology can play a crucial role in enabling the next generation of EVs with improved performance and reduced costs.”
South African car buyers are increasingly considering the full cost of ownership rather than focusing solely on the showroom price or monthly instalment.
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