The BMW Group is making strides in the development of all-solid-state battery (ASSB) technology by incorporating large-format ASSB cells from Solid Power into its test vehicle, the BMW i7, currently being tested in the Munich area.
This initiative is aimed at harnessing the potential advantages of ASSB technology, which offers a higher energy density in a compact storage system compared to existing battery technologies. The collaboration between BMW and Solid Power has been ongoing since 2022 under a technology transfer agreement to advance ASSB technology.
The ASSB technology is expected to enable longer vehicle ranges without the additional weight typically associated with current battery systems. The concept battery in the BMW i7 test vehicle combines Gen5 construction principles, featuring prismatic cells in modules, with innovative module concepts designed for integrating ASSB cells from Solid Power.
This integration will allow for the exploration of crucial factors such as cell expansion management, operating pressure control, and temperature condition adjustments. Solid Power president and CEO John Van Scoter expressed pride in the partnership with BMW, resulting in the first demonstration of all-solid-state battery cells in a vehicle.
BMW believes that Solid Power’s cells, which utilize sulphide-based electrolytes, will provide valuable insights during the test program over the coming months. Martin Schuster, BMW Battery Cell and Cell Module vice president, highlighted the company’s commitment to advancing battery cell technologies and expanding know-how through partnerships like the one with Solid Power.
The cells developed and manufactured by Solid Power in collaboration with BMW have been a result of their extended joint development agreement dating back to 2016. In late 2022, both companies agreed to deepen their partnership, with BMW operating a solid cell prototype line at the Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre (CMCC) in Parsdorf.
BMW has been enhancing its expertise in battery cell technology since 2008, consolidating this knowledge at the Battery Cell Competence Centre (BCCC) in Munich since 2019. The collaboration between BMW and Solid Power signifies a significant step forward in the development of ASSB technology and holds promise for the future of electric vehicles.
