BMW initiates all-solid-state battery testing on i7 prototype vehicles
In a significant step towards the future of electric vehicles (EVs), BMW is testing all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) in a prototype i7 on public roads for the first time. This trial marks a pivotal moment in BMW's battery ambitions, which have been sharpened since 2008.
The testing is taking place in Munich, Germany, at BMW's Battery Cell Competence Centre (BCCC). The BCCC houses the full value chain from research and development to cell production, funnelling BMW's battery aspirations.
Martin Schuster, Vice President of Battery Cell and Cell Module at BMW Group, considers the i7 test mule as more than just a science project. It reflects BMW's technology-open mindset, as the company lays the groundwork to make all-solid-state batteries a real-world proposition, not just a lab experiment.
The partnership between BMW and Solid Power, which began in 2017, plays a crucial role in this endeavour. John Van Scoter, President and CEO of Solid Power, stated that the partnership with BMW has led to the first demonstration of all-solid-state battery cells in a vehicle.
The battery pack in the test i7 uses sulphide-based electrolytes, a key innovation from Solid Power. These battery cells are built around a core promise of higher energy density with less bulk, potentially resulting in longer driving ranges without the weight penalty of traditional lithium-ion systems.
Part of the trial for the test i7 involves studying how the cells expand, handle pressure, and manage temperature under real-world conditions. The results from this program will help refine future development of all-solid-state technology, seen as the next big leap in EV evolution.
BMW is not just testing the technology, but also refining the production and scalability of all-solid-state battery packs. In late 2022, BMW started building its own solid-state cell prototype line in Parsdorf, using Solid Power's research and development license.
No production dates have been set, but the planned series production of all-solid-state batteries by BMW is expected to begin in 2025. Solid Power continues to drive innovation of its sulfide electrolyte in support of the future of EVs.
The test i7 is not just a demonstration of technology, but a step towards a more sustainable and efficient future for electric vehicles.
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