BMW Charges Ahead: Real-World Testing Begins for All-Solid-State EV Batteries

BMW Group, the leader in luxury car manufacturing, is reportedly running real-world testing of all-solid-state battery (ASSB) cells in a specially configured BMW i7. In collaboration with Solid Power, BMW has developed this large-format, pure ASSB cell and has started its real-world testing on the streets of Munich.

It's one of the biggest news in the automotive industry as global car manufacturers are constantly working on high-density, safe, and more efficient battery technology to power future vehicles.

Understanding ASSB Technology

ASSB, the short form of all-solid-state battery, is being presented as the next leap in electric vehicle innovation. This cutting-edge battery technology will replace conventional liquid electrolytes with a solid alternative. ASSB offers numerous advantages, like higher energy density, reduced battery size and overall weight, better safety, and longer drive range.

Solid Power is a leading American battery company that has invented these sulfide-based electrolyte cells, potentially redefining the performance of electric vehicles. For testing purposes, these battery cells have been integrated into the BMW i7 test vehicle to figure out how capable these battery cells can be in real-life scenarios.

BMW i7 - A Specifically Customized Vehicle to Support ASSB

The BMW i7 is based on this battery technology test and is not a regular i7 sedan. Instead, it has been specifically customized and configured to support the characteristics of ASSB cells. Engineers from BMW and Solid Power came together to make several crucial changes, including addressing the requirement of cell expansion and compression. They also optimized thermal control systems and redesigned battery modules to support solid-state architecture.

The test of ASSB cell technology in the BMW i7 is to derive critical insights required to shape the new generations of BMW electric vehicles, potentially backed by advanced batteries, to market in the next few years.

BMW & Solid Power - Long-Time Collaboration

It's not the first time BMW and Solid Power have joined each other for new-age technology development and testing. These companies have been working together since 2016 and formalized their collaboration in 2022 with a notable technology transfer agreement. BMW also invested in Solid Power in 2021 to strengthen its strategy partnership further.

Solid Power will deliver the prototype ASSB cells as part of this collaboration, whereas BMW will commence producing prototype cells in its Parsdorf, Germany-based Cell Manufacturing Competence Center.

BMW's Battery Innovation Strategy

BMW Group has been developing in-house battery capabilities since 2008 and strengthened this initiative by establishing the Battery Cell Competence Center in Munich in 2019. BMW has over 300 partners globally, leveraging a global network of highly qualified researchers, startups, and established companies to develop cutting-edge battery technologies.