BMW, like many other automotive companies, is actively working to solve the challenges of solid state battery technology and bring it to market faster than its competitors. To this end, the company has entered into a partnership with Solid Power, which is also working with Ford, to develop solid state batteries for use in vehicles.
Recently, BMW announced that it will move forward to the next phase of joint research and development with Solid Power, and plans to utilize cell pilot production lines at its own Cell Manufacturing Competence Center, which was established in the previous year. The objective of this collaboration is to expedite the development of solid state batteries for automotive use and integrate them into series production vehicles.
“BMW remains committed to the pursuit of all-solid-state batteries, a technology which we believe has significant potential for the future. We look forward to working even more closely with Solid Power and adding the capability to produce solid-state cells based on Solid Power’s designs at our own pilot facility. We expect this agreement to accelerate the installation of our solid-state prototype line and our companies’ mutual goal of commercializing this promising cell technology.” said Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management BMW AG, Development
BMW will first send personnel for training at Solid Power, and once the prototype production line is operational, BMW will receive solid state cells from Solid Power for testing.
However, it is not clear if the automaker will be able to produce its own solid state cells for automotive use. The company’s first bespoke electric vehicle, the Neue Klasse, which is set to debut in 2025, will be powered by a refined version of the lithium-ion batteries currently used in its electric models.
These new cells are cylindrical in design and offer a 20% improvement in energy density. It is unclear what BMW’s plans are for phasing out the Gen6 cells, and whether it will continue to improve lithium-ion technology or switch to solid state batteries. The success of this partnership will likely determine the path forward.
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