Electric car driving range is becoming a major factor in the push for green energy. It is particularly relevant because topping-up time doesn’t match gasoline. Moreover, distances between charging stations dictate EV’s shall have long legs. BMW has always favored superlatives. Will it do so this time we wonder …
BMW Plans Extended Electric Car Driving Range
The German luxury auto maker promised CarsGuide it would double its electric car driving range and battery density by 2030. That’s a longer planning window than we hoped for, but at least they have a defined goal in their sights.
A BMW-connected specialist told CarsGuide’s Stephen Corby he thought they had a new technology up their sleeves – as opposed to the solid-state batteries many of their competition are pinning their hopes on. “We will double the energy density of batteries by 2030, we know this is achievable. We have already proven under lab conditions that we can make way higher energy density than in the market. So we are on the way,” he said.
Other EV Manufacturers May Have Different Ideas
Many other companies – Toyota included – are pinning their hopes on solid-state batteries according to Stephen Corby. The Japanese auto maker has its sights set on lithium batteries with solid electrolyte and extended density.
We understand BMW’s research works well for them under laboratory conditions. However, their scaled up performance in electric cars is still unknown. “If you are asking me when will solid-state batteries come into the game, it could be in the 2030s.” So said BMW-connected specialist Jan Freimann, implying it could be a two-horse race.
Therefore it seems electric car driving range restrictions could be with us to the end of the decade. If that’s the case, it’s a great pity as we hoped for faster progress.
Related
Tesla Remotely Extends Electric Car Range
Solid-State May Potentially Replace Lithium-Ion
Preview Image: BMW i8 Concept IAA
