BMW i7 All-solid-state Battery
All-solid-state batteries are being developed for practical use
All-solid-state batteries, which represent a breakthrough in battery technology, are being developed by various companies, and BMW and Solid Power have now become the first to install them in an actual vehicle.
The BMW Group has installed large solid-state battery cells manufactured by Solid Power in its fully electric sedan, the i7. The solid-state battery cells developed by Solid Power are more compact than currently installed batteries and have extremely high energy density. The introduction of solid-state battery cells has the potential to extend the driving range of EVs without increasing the size or weight of the entire battery system.
Solid Power CEO John Van Schoeter commented on the i7’s adoption of solid-state batteries:
“Solid Power is proud to partner with the BMW Group to be the first to deploy solid-state battery cells in a real vehicle. We believe in the future of solid-state batteries and plan to further develop sulfide electrolytes as a key technology innovation to support the future of EVs.”
Martin Schuster, Vice President Battery Cells and Cell Modules at the BMW Group, added:
“The drive of the BMW i7 solid-state battery test vehicle is only possible because BMW has embraced all technological innovations. We are continuously developing new battery cell technologies and expanding our know-how with valued partners like Solid Power.”
Various tests will be carried out over the next few months
The all-solid-state battery cells installed in the I7 will be tested under various conditions in preparation for full-scale practical use.
The test battery installed in the BMW i7 is an innovative module concept that integrates all-solid-state battery cells developed by Solid Power with BMW’s “Gen5” structure (prismatic cells within a module) already used in production models. Various tests will be conducted, including battery cell expansion management, operating pressure control methods, and temperature condition adjustment.
The innovative solid-state battery cells were developed and manufactured by Solid Power in collaboration with the BMW Group. Further development and testing is required before they can be put to practical use. The solid-state battery uses a sulfide-based electrolyte, which efficiently conducts lithium ions. The test battery concept, which integrates the solid-state battery cells into a conventional battery pack, will provide the BMW Group with a wealth of knowledge during the test program over the coming months.
The BMW Group and Solid Power signed a joint development agreement in 2016, and the BMW Group made an investment in Solid Power in May 2021. Furthermore, the two companies agreed to further deepen their partnership at the end of 2022. Based on the research and development license with Solid Power, the BMW Group plans to utilize Solid Power’s experience and expertise to operate a solid-state battery cell prototype line at its Cell Manufacturing Competence Center (CMCC) in Parsdorf, Germany.
