BMW produces Solid Power solid-state batteries in Germany

BMW Group and start solid-state battery solid power are expanding their joint development partnership.

Solid-state battery technology is being studied extensively and is seen as a potential game-changer because, compared to the common lithium-ion or lithium iron phosphate chemistries, it theoretically offers a wide range of larger micro-activity, less volume and faster charging.

They use solid electrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes or polymer gels found in current chemicals, including lithium-ion and lithium polymer.

This expanded relationship between the two companies will include the opening of a trial production line of Solid Power’s prototype sulfide-based solid-state battery cells by the BMW Group in Germany.

This happened after Solid Power opened the door own pilot solid-state battery production line at the US-based facility earlier this year.

Prior to the installation of this German pilot production line, the BMW Group “staff” will work “hand in hand” with Solar Power employees at its facilities to optimize the production process. cell output.

The expanded agreement also includes Solid Power’s exclusive sharing of solid-state electrode and cell manufacturing know-how, but does not include a license to the company’s intellectual property.

Solid Power is expected to supply sulfide-based solid electrolyte materials to the BMW Group test production line once it becomes operational.

As a result of this extended partnership, the BMW Group has agreed to pay Solid Power US$20 million (~AU$30 million) through the end of June 2024. However, this is subject to Solid Power achieving achieve “certain milestones”.

“The expansion of our relationship with BMW is further proof that both companies believe Solid Power is on the right track in developing its technology,” said David Jansen, CEO and CEO. Interim president of Solid Power said.

“I am encouraged by the progress our team continues to make towards achieving our corporate goals. Over the past few months, we have started supplying 20 Ah batteries to our partners, including BMW, for initial testing and to begin production of our initial EV batteries.

Mr. Jansen added: “We look forward to bringing our electrolyte production facility online and initiating a formal automotive qualification process.

Solid Power was founded in 2011 and was initially funded by Hyundai, among other investors.

In addition to the BMW Group, the company also has a Current partnership with Ford.

A month ago, rival battery startup StoreDot said solid-state battery technology is still at least a decade away.

“It is vital that leading battery developers such as StoreDot provide global automakers with a realistic and non-exaggerated roadmap to showcase ultra-fast charging battery technologies,” said CEO. StoreDot, Dr. Doron Myersdorf said in November this year.

“Right now, despite some of the upbeat claims of our competitors, fully solid-state batteries are still at least 10 years away. They are certainly not a silver bullet for any vehicle manufacturer currently developing a fast-charging electric vehicle architecture.”

Even so, a number of suppliers and automakers are preparing to produce solid-state batteries.

Nissan recently unveiled its prototype solid-state battery production facility at its Research Center in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

Japanese automakers are develops leading solid-state batteries for its alliance partners – Renault and Mitsubishi – and plan to launch electric vehicles (EVs) with their proprietary all-solid-state battery (ASSB) in fiscal year 2028.

Toyota also said that it was testing solid-state batteries from 2020 and plans to introduce them in its hybrid vehicles for the first time, before rolling them out in upcoming electric vehicles.

It says short life is a major concern for solid-state batteries, and therefore it is continuing to develop solid electrolyte materials. Colder temperature performance is also an issue.

Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz announced at the end of 2021 that they entered into a joint agreement with the US-based company Factorial Energy to develop solid-state batteries for their vehicles.

Hyundai and Kia have also partnered with Factorial Energy to test solid-state batteries in their electric vehicles.

In December 2020, Volkswagen-backed company QuantumScape announced that it would produce solid-state batteries by 2024, while GM . Battery Development Center in Warren, Michigan will develop solid-state batteries among other types of batteries, including silicon.

THAN: Solid Power announces solid-state battery pilot production line