The BMW Group has deployed its first test vehicle featuring large-format, pure all-solid-state battery (ASSB) cells in Munich. The electric BMW i7, equipped with ASSB technology from Solid Power, Inc. (Nasdaq: SLDP), represents a significant milestone in the companies’ ongoing collaboration that began in 2016.
The ASSB technology offers potential advantages over current battery solutions, primarily through higher energy density in a more compact storage system. This could enable longer vehicle ranges without the weight penalties associated with conventional battery technologies.
“Solid Power is extremely proud that our partnership with BMW has resulted in the first demonstration of truly all-solid-state battery cells in a vehicle,” said John Van Scoter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Solid Power. “We believe in the promise of ASSB’s and continue to drive innovation of our sulfide electrolyte in support of that future for EV’s.”
Martin Schuster, Vice President Battery Cell and Cell Module at the BMW Group, added: “Our BMW i7 ASSB test vehicle on the road is a perfect example of the BMW Group’s technology-open mindset. We are continuously advancing the development of new battery cell technologies and are constantly expanding our know-how with valuable partners such as Solid Power.”
The test vehicle integrates BMW’s proven Gen5 construction principles with innovative module concepts designed specifically for Solid Power’s ASSB cells. During testing, engineers will investigate cell expansion management, operating pressure control, and temperature condition adjustments. The implementation of sulfide-based electrolytes in a complete battery pack will provide critical data in the coming months.
The companies intensified their development activities through a technology transfer agreement in 2022, following BMW’s investment in Solid Power in May 2021. Their partnership has further expanded with BMW operating a solid cell prototype line at its Cell Manufacturing Competence Center in Parsdorf using Solid Power’s expertise.
BMW has been developing battery cell technology since 2008, centralizing these efforts at its Battery Cell Competence Center in Munich since 2019. The company maintains a network of approximately 300 partners, including established companies, startups, and universities, to rapidly implement battery innovations.
Further development steps remain necessary before ASSB technology can be implemented in a commercially viable storage system for production vehicles.
