BMW Group is partnering with Solid Power in a joint effort to develop Solid Power’s next-generation solid-state battery for use in electric vehicles.
The BMW Group will assist Solid Power to advance its technology in order to achieve performance levels required for high performance electric vehicles.
Solid Power’s team focuses on developing and scaling competitive solid-state batteries, paying special attention to safety, performance, and cost. Solid Power’s solid-state batteries contain no liquid electrolyte. Instead, they are comprised of proprietary inorganic materials producing a product with higher energy density, without volatile or flammable components.
This technology has great potential to provide the BMW Group’s electric vehicles with increased driving range and a battery with a longer shelf-life that can withstand high temperatures.
Solid-state battery technology has the potential to offer in the future a battery system that provides long electrical range with enhanced safety and performance compared to conventional Li-ion battery cells.
Toyota, which has called the technology a “game changer” for EVs, plans to commercialize solid-state batteries and roll out an electric vehicle in the early 2020s powered by them. German automotive supplier Continental is considering investing in the technology, while Bosch and Dyson are also working on the technology.
“Since the company’s inception, the Solid Power team has worked to develop and scale a competitive solid-state battery paying special attention to safety, performance, and cost,” said Doug Campbell, founder and CEO of Solid Power. “Collaborating with BMW is further validation that solid-state battery innovations will continue to improve electric vehicles. We’re looking forward to working with BMW on pushing the limits on developments around xEV batteries.”
Capitalizing on continued market expansion, Solid Power has experienced rapid company growth throughout the first-half of 2017. The battery developer recently moved into a state-of-the-art facility in Louisville, Colorado.
The brand-new facility will allow Solid Power to triple its footprint and build out the capabilities necessary to deliver commercial-quality solid-state battery prototypes, from new material synthesis through cell and battery assembly. Solid Power expects to double its executive and innovation team over the next three years.
