Solid-state batteries are the El Dorado of the automotive industry, and BMW seems determined to find this treasure. Imagine a world where your electric car charges faster than a takeout coffee and offers a range that would make even the best gasoline engines envious. This is exactly the path BMW, in partnership with Solid Power and Samsung SDI, is striving to carve out.
A battery technology that is becoming a reality
Solid-state battery technology is like the Holy Grail for electric vehicle manufacturers. Imagine a superhero capable of flying faster than light while being incredibly durable. That’s what these batteries promise with their fast charging, extended range, and chemical stability that enhances driver safety. BMW, leading the pack, is collaborating with Solid Power, Inc. to develop vehicles equipped with this revolutionary technology. The cherry on top? The arrival of Samsung SDI into this dynamic trio. Together, they hope to produce solid-state batteries capable of transforming the future of electric mobility.
The collaboration aims to design solid-state batteries that are not only efficient but also reliable for test vehicles. Imagine a football team gathering world champions to score goals in every match. This is exactly the synergy that could accelerate the arrival of solid-state battery electric cars on the market.
Zac Palmer
What this partnership means
Currently, the partnership between BMW and Solid Power is based on a “technology transfer agreement.” In simple terms, this means that a solid-state battery from Solid Power has been integrated into a BMW i7 test vehicle. It’s a bit like adding a dash of spice to an already delicious recipe. With Samsung SDI on board, Solid Power will provide a solid electrolyte based on sulfide, which will be integrated into the separator and/or catholyte for the solid-state battery cells. All of this is part of an ambitious project aimed at elevating the performance of electric vehicles to new heights.
John Van Scoter, CEO of Solid Power, expresses his enthusiasm: “We are excited to partner with Samsung SDI and BMW to advance the development of fully solid batteries.” It’s as if these three industry giants are joining forces to create a masterpiece in the battery field. Martin Schuster, vice president at BMW, states that Samsung SDI’s involvement gives a significant boost to the development of new battery cell technologies. Together, they aim not only to test but also to establish a standard for the future of solid-state batteries.
BMW
Why solid-state batteries matter
Solid-state batteries are like a driver’s best friend: always reliable and ready to go the extra mile. Their higher energy density means they can hold more energy in the same space as a conventional lithium-ion battery. This translates to a range that rivals that of gasoline hybrid vehicles. Who would have thought that one day your electric car could take off on the roads without needing a refill every two days?
But that’s not all. Thanks to their solid electrolyte, thermal management becomes a breeze, allowing solid-state batteries to be charged more quickly. Imagine refueling with energy in just a few minutes instead of patiently waiting for hours at a gas station. And with increased durability, these batteries can withstand many more charge cycles without collapsing like a poorly cooked soufflé. In short, they are built to last and perform.
Final thoughts
BMW, Solid Power, and Samsung SDI are moving forward together to turn the trial into reality with solid-state batteries for evaluation vehicles. It’s a bit like assembling the perfect puzzle to create a modern work of art. With Samsung already mastering battery manufacturing for various products, this partnership seems to be the stroke of genius that BMW and Solid Power were looking for. These companies are now tackling the evaluation phase after the testing phase. A significant step towards production-ready batteries. By combining their respective expertise, they will work on the performance requirements for solid-state batteries intended for BMW test vehicles.
