Mullen Automotive Inc. recently began on-road tests of its Mullen One Class 1 EV cargo van with the integrated solid-state polymer battery pack, and the company reports that the results were better than anticipated. The company says higher energy density of the solid-state battery increased total pack energy from 42 kWh to 72 kWh. They estimated that the range would increase from 110 miles to 190 miles (a 73% increase), yet the first real-world tests saw a range of 205 miles (an 86% increase).
“The first road test has resulted in significant gains in vehicle range. Additional testing over time will solidify a solid-state solution for our commercial vehicles. Next steps include finalizing our design and manufacturing validation,” said David Michery, chief executive officer and chairman of Mullen Automotive.
Mullen says testing on its latest phase of solid-state polymer battery started in January, to ensure system compatibility between its Class 1 EV cargo van and the pack. In addition to the on-road testing, Mullen adds that the battery pack also underwent Dyno testing at an EPA-certified lab located in Northville, Michigan.