A battery technology that’s getting closer to reality
Solid-state battery technology is utilized throughout the automotive industry, with automakers developing and testing electric vehicles that incorporate it. The technology is a holy grail for automakers looking to establish a strong presence in electrified cars: fast charging, extended range, and chemical stability, which enhance driver and passenger safety.
The BMW Group has an established partnership with Solid Power, Inc., in which the two companies are advancing toward a production vehicle with a solid-state battery. Now, the two firms have added a third partner, Samsung SDI, to facilitate the production of solid-state batteries for use in test vehicles. The triumvirate hopes to build solid-state batteries efficiently for use in test vehicles, which will only accelerate the pace at which solid-state battery EVs become available for you to buy.
Zac Palmer
What this partnership means
Currently, BMW and Solid Power, Inc., have a “technology transfer agreement,” under which a Solid Power solid-state battery has been integrated into a BMW i7 test vehicle. With Samsung SDI’s involvement, Solid Power, Inc. will supply a sulfide-based solid electrolyte to Samsung, which will integrate it into the separator and/or catholyte for use in solid-state battery cells.
“We are excited to partner with Samsung SDI and BMW to progress the development of all-solid-state batteries,” says John Van Scoter, President and CEO of Solid Power. “Our solid electrolyte technology is designed for stability and conductivity, and by working closely with global leaders in automotive and battery innovation, we strive to bring ASSB technology closer to widespread adoption.”
“With Samsung SDI joining our partnership with Solid Power, we gain significant momentum on our path to advancing the development of new battery cell technologies,” said BMW’s Vice President Battery Cell and Cell Module, Martin Schuster. BMW and Solid Power, Inc. have been working together since 2016. In 2021, BMW invested in Solid Power through a funding round.
Solid-state batteries under the sheet metal of the tester BMW i7
BMW
Why solid-state batteries matter
Solid-state batteries have higher energy density, meaning more energy can be packed into the same-sized case as lithium-ion batteries. For EVs, this means more range, and solid-state battery vehicles may rival the range of hybrid gas-powered vehicles. Solid-state batteries also offer more efficient energy transfer.
Fast charging is another perk for solid-state batteries. Since the electrolyte is solid rather than liquid, thermal management is simplified, and solid-state batteries can be charged more quickly. Solid-state batteries are also more durable and can withstand many more charging cycles without the same level of degradation as lithium-ion batteries.
Final thoughts
BMW, Solid Power, Inc., and Samsung SDI say they’re working together to make solid-state batteries for evaluation vehicles. Samsung, which has mastered battery manufacturing for various other products, may be the best partner BMW and Solid Power could find. Evaluation follows testing, so these companies are taking a big step toward production-ready solid-state batteries. The trio says they will use their “complementary expertise” and collaborate on performance parameters and requirements for solid-state batteries produced for BMW evaluation vehicles.
