BMW and Solid Power are conducting tests on all-solid-state battery cells within a BMW i7 model vehicle.
The BMW Group and Solid Power, Inc. are currently at an advanced testing stage with large-format, all-solid-state battery (ASSB) cells, installed in a BMW i7 test vehicle operating in Munich as of mid-2023[1][3]. This collaboration, which began in 2016 and has intensified since 2022, underscores BMW's commitment to pioneering battery technology beyond traditional lithium-ion cells[1][3].
The BMW i7 equipped with Solid Power's ASSB cells is actively undergoing real-world testing to gain insights into battery pack integration, including management of cell expansion, operating pressure, and temperature regulation[3]. BMW operates a solid cell prototype production line at its Cell Manufacturing Competence Center (CMCC) in Germany under a Solid Power license, reflecting deep integration of the technology into BMW’s R&D efforts[3].
Solid Power has been scaling sulfide electrolyte production, a key component of their ASSB technology, supported by significant funding and partnerships, indicating momentum towards industrialization[5]. The promise of longer range, higher energy density, improved safety, and potential cost efficiencies positions ASSB technology as a compelling future alternative for electric vehicles, with BMW leveraging this partnership to maintain a leadership position in EV battery innovation[1][3][5].
The BMW Group's partnership with Solid Power reflects a "technology-open mindset," meaning they are exploring and advancing multiple battery technologies concurrently to optimize future electric drives[1][3][4]. Since 2008, the BMW Group has been steadily expanding its expertise in the area of battery cell technology. Since 2019, this know-how has been bundled at the BMW Group's Battery Cell Competence Center (BCCC) in Munich.
The potential benefits of ASSB technology include higher energy density and a more compact storage system compared to current technologies. By replacing liquid electrolytes with solid sulfide-based ones, these batteries can be lighter and more compact, improving vehicle efficiency and performance[1][2]. Solid electrolytes reduce risks of leakage and thermal runaway, which are issues with conventional batteries, potentially enhancing vehicle safety[5].
BMW Group's network of partners supports its battery strategy to develop innovative battery technologies with leading industry partners. In addition to Solid Power, the BMW Group cooperates with around 300 partners, including universities, start-ups, and established companies[6].
The BMW Group's footprint in the United States includes BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC, which began assembling vehicles in South Carolina in 1994, and BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, the largest single BMW production facility in the world, assembling more than 1,500 vehicles each day[7]. The BMW Group's sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of over 350 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers[8]. BMW of North America began operations 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW automobiles in the U.S.[9].
References: [1] BMW Group PressClub Global. (2023). BMW Group and Solid Power further deepen partnership to develop next-generation battery cells. Retrieved from https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0271573EN [2] Solid Power. (2023). Solid-state batteries. Retrieved from https://www.solidpower.com/technology [3] BMW Group PressClub Global. (2023). BMW i7 xDrive60 with Solid Power battery cell technology undergoes real-world testing. Retrieved from https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0274526EN [4] BMW Group PressClub Global. (2023). BMW Group and Solid Power to collaborate on all-solid-state battery cell technology. Retrieved from https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0213296EN [5] Solid Power. (2023). Solid Power's technology. Retrieved from https://www.solidpower.com/technology/solid-electrolyte [6] BMW Group PressClub Global. (2023). BMW Group's battery strategy: Network of partners drives innovation. Retrieved from https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0274523EN [7] BMW Group PressClub Global. (2023). BMW Group Plant Spartanburg: BMW's largest production facility in the world. Retrieved from https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0271574EN [8] BMW Group PressClub Global. (2023). BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. Retrieved from https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0271575EN [9] BMW of North America. (2023). About us. Retrieved from https://www.bmwusa.com/content/bmwusa/en/about-bmw/company-information.html
The BMW Group's exploration of battery technologies extends to the realm of finance, as they have secured significant funding for the development of all-solid-state battery (ASSB) technology with Solid Power, Inc. This collaboration in the automotive industry also involves technology partnerships and collaborations with around 300 partners, including universities, start-ups, and established companies.
The adoption of ASSB technology could potentially redefine the transportation sector, offering electric vehicles (EVs) longer range, higher energy density, improved safety, and potential cost efficiencies, positioning it as a compelling future alternative.
