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BMW, Samsung SDI, and Solid Power have entered a new partnership to advance all-solid-state battery technology for electric vehicles. The collaboration expands on BMW and Solid Power’s work since 2022, now strengthened by Samsung SDI’s experience in large-scale cell manufacturing and materials engineering. According to the agreement, Samsung SDI will produce all-solid-state cells using Solid Power’s sulfide-based solid electrolyte, while BMW will focus on designing the battery pack and modules. Together, the companies aim to make progress toward safer, higher-performance batteries that could eventually support wider use in electric vehicles and help improve overall energy efficiency. Creating a system for producing solid-state battery cells The three companies are combining their expertise in materials science, manufacturing, and automotive design to accelerate the path toward commercializing all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). Together, they have developed a working system for producing ASSB cells, marking a key step toward large-scale production. Solid Power’s sulfide-based electrolyte is engineered for high conductivity and stability, and the company says that joining forces with BMW and Samsung SDI will help move solid-state batteries closer to widespread adoption. Samsung SDI is steadily advancing its push toward next-generation battery technology, moving from research to real-world testing. In March 2023, the company launched a pilot production line in South Korea, the first of its kind, and began producing prototype solid-state batteries by the end of the year. These samples have already been delivered to several customers for evaluation, signaling progress toward future large-scale production, Electrek reports. BMW achieved a key milestone in May by conducting on-road tests of Solid Power’s all-solid-state battery cells in a modified i7 sedan. The successful trials represent an important step toward incorporating the technology into future electric models. The automaker now aims to introduce all-solid-state batteries in production vehicles by around 2030. Longer range and faster charging for EVs ASSBs are considered a breakthrough in EV technology, with the potential to double driving range, cut charging times in half, and lower overall costs. Key challenges to commercialization include creating a material that is both safe and highly conductive and overcoming the high costs of mass production. By combining their expertise and resources, BMW, Samsung SDI, and Solid Power are tackling these obstacles together, increasing the likelihood that ASSBs could finally become a practical option for widespread EV adoption, Electrek adds.
