BMW has commenced real-world testing of an all-electric i7, equipped with a large-format solid-state battery pack, around its headquarters in Munich. This marks a significant step in evaluating solid-state battery technology for automotive applications. Unlike semi-solid-state batteries, these are *all*-solid-state, representing a more advanced stage of development. This initiative underscores BMW’s commitment to exploring diverse technological pathways for future electric vehicles, even as they express confidence in their current battery technology roadmap.
The prototype utilizes prismatic cells, similar in form factor to those found in BMW’s Gen5 batteries, which are currently used in their production EVs. However, the key difference lies in the electrolyte: instead of a liquid, these cells employ a solid sulfide-based electrolyte. This substitution is at the heart of solid-state battery technology, promising enhanced safety and performance characteristics.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | All-Solid-State |
| Vehicle | BMW i7 (Prototype) |
| Cell Type | Prismatic |
| Electrolyte | Solid Sulfide-Based |
BMW is taking a measured approach to solid-state battery technology, in part because they anticipate significant improvements from their upcoming Gen6 batteries. These advancements may negate the immediate need for solid-state technology in their production vehicles. The Gen6 batteries, slated for introduction with the Neue Klasse EVs, promise substantial enhancements in several key areas.
According to BMW, the Gen6 batteries will offer a 30% improvement in charging speed and a 30% increase in range compared to their current batteries. Furthermore, the production process is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 60%, and the cost per battery pack is projected to decrease by 50%. These are ambitious targets, and if achieved, they would represent a major leap forward in EV battery technology, potentially delaying or even eliminating the necessity for solid-state batteries in the near term. The shift to cylindrical cells in the Gen6 batteries is also a notable change from the prismatic cells used in the current Gen5 batteries and the solid-state prototype, signaling a different technological direction.
| Feature | Solid-State Batteries (Potential) | BMW Gen6 Batteries |
|---|---|---|
| Charging Speed | Potentially Faster | 30% Faster |
| Range | Potentially Higher | 30% More |
| Production Carbon Footprint | TBD | 60% Reduction |
| Cost | Currently Higher | 50% Decrease |
BMW’s pursuit of solid-state battery technology isn’t a solo endeavor. Since 2016, the automaker has been in collaboration with Solid Power, a battery specialist company. This partnership was further strengthened in 2022, indicating a sustained commitment to jointly developing and exploring the potential of solid-state batteries. By working with Solid Power, BMW gains access to specialized expertise and resources in the field of solid-state battery technology, accelerating their research and development efforts.
Despite the ongoing collaboration, BMW remains cautious about the immediate prospects of solid-state batteries for mass production. The primary hurdle is cost: solid-state batteries are currently significantly more expensive to manufacture than traditional lithium-ion batteries. Unless there’s a major breakthrough that dramatically reduces the cost and simplifies the production process, BMW appears content to continue refining its existing battery technologies, such as the Gen6, before fully committing to solid-state batteries. This pragmatic approach reflects a balance between exploring cutting-edge technologies and ensuring economic viability in the competitive EV market.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Partnership | BMW & Solid Power |
| Start Date | 2016 |
| Focus | Solid-State Battery Development |
