Charged EVs | BMW Group and Solid Power test solid-state battery cells in a BMW i7

German automaker BMW is testing large-format, all-solid-state battery (ASSB) cells from Solid Power in a BMW i7 it is operating in the Munich area.

The concept battery integrated into the BMW i7 test vehicle combines a Gen5 construction approach, placing prismatic cells in modules, and new module concepts. The use of solid power cells with sulfide-based electrolytes and their integration into a battery pack will provide BMW Group with further findings in the test program over the coming months. The company intends to investigate the management of cell expansion as well as how to control the operating pressure and how to adjust the temperature conditions.

Solid-state batteries can potentially deliver higher energy density in a compact, lightweight storage system compared to current battery technologies. Further development steps are required to implement ASSB technology, BMW said.

BMW and Solid Power have been cooperating since 2016 through an extended joint development agreement supported by the automaker’s investment in Solid Power in May 2021 as part of a financing round. The companies agreed to expand their partnership in 2022, through a technology transfer agreement. Solid Power started producing solid-state batteries on its pilot line in 2022.

BMW will operate a solid cell prototype line at its Cell Manufacturing Competence Center (CMCC) in Parsdorf, Germany under a research and development license from Solid Power.

“Our BMW i7 ASSB test vehicle on the road is an 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,” said Martin Schuster, Vice President Battery Cell and Cell Module at BMW.

Source: BMW