 |
| BMW and Solid Power are teaming up to test solid-state battery usage. |
BMW will soon begin to test using a solid-state battery in its EVs. This is the direct result of a partnership between BMW and Solid Power, an American battery tech company. Prototypes of this battery will be built at BMW’s own battery facility near Munich, while testing of the new batteries could take place by mid-decade. Don’t expect to see an electric car from BMW with a solid-state battery until around 2030 or so, however. Other automakers are also making plans for solid-state battery implementation in future EVs, such as Volkswagen and Hyundai.
Solid-state batteries by design have a solid electrolyte and offer improved range and charging times vs. current liquid-type batteries. They are also inherently lower cost and safer by design, which should help alleviate concerns about EV fires after collisions. The main issue with them is one that has plagued the entire EV adoption process thus far – scaling up production to match demand. EV battery materials are a commodity. Before going full-on solid state, however, BMW intends to introduce a new lithium-ion battery in their upcoming EVs in 2025 that will promise a 30% improvement in range vs. current similar batteries. I can’t wait to check that out, especially in a vehicle like the new i4.
No comments:
Post a Comment