Motoring journal Autoweek announced BMW solid-state batteries were ‘getting ready for testing’ on January 25, 2023. Since then, the German automaker expanded its collaboration with battery developer Solid Power, and began developing a prototype production line. But BMW is not alone in its task to come up with a ‘super battery’.
Other Solid-State Battery Projects Are Challenging BMW
Volkswagen and Toyota are also involved in similar projects, as no doubt are other automakers too. Their race is a serious one, because the manufacturer who is first past this checkered flag should have a distinct competitive advantage.
Meanwhile, BMW has continued forging ahead with its next-gen cylindrical lithium batteries. Their Gen 6 battery cells, as they dub them, will have 20% greater driving range, they predict. There will also be two different lengths, namely 3.75 inches and 4.75 inches, with a common 1.8 inch diameter.
Fast Forward to November 28, 2023
On November 28, 2023, the company’s blog published an update on BMW solid-state batteries. This announced the somewhat disappointing news that ‘industrializing’ the cells ‘would not happen before 2030’. We are disappointed to hear this, because anything that delays decarbonizing transport is a setback.
However, the German automaker believes its Gen 6 lithium battery offering will bring significant benefits to its customers. Although this would be an interim phase, because its all-solid-state batteries (ASSB) will be ‘a breakthrough’ from 2030 going forward.
General Manager of Battery Technology Kurt Vandeputte promises higher energy density that is ‘at least as safe as the current crop of batteries’. Although he concedes ‘the tech behind ASSBs will require some more years to mature’. Meanwhile, his company is preparing for ‘prototype manufacture’.
BMW’s Solid-State Batteries Are One of Their Strategies
Reading between the lines we gather that BMW’s solid-state batteries are not a one-horse-race, in the company’s mind. BMW maintains interest in hydrogen cars, and talks of a fuel-cell model by 2030.
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