BMW Tests Its First Electric Vehicles With All-Solid-State Batteries

BMW has made significant strides in electric vehicle technology by initiating on-road testing of its first vehicles powered by all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs).

The testing, which utilizes the BMW i7 model, marks a crucial milestone for the automotive giant as it aims to embrace what many consider the “holy grail” of EV battery technology.

These advanced batteries promise higher energy density, potentially enabling longer driving ranges at a lower cost compared to current lithium-ion batteries.

BMW Tests Revolutionary All-Solid-State Batteries in Electric Vehicles

In collaboration with Solid Power, a partnership that began in 2022, BMW has modified its existing Gen 5 architecture to accommodate the new prismatic cells of the ASSBs.

This innovative approach involves integrating sulfide-based electrolytes into the battery packs, a process expected to continue over the coming months. The hope is that these batteries will eventually provide substantial weight savings and enhance vehicle efficiency, akin to other advancements being pursued by competitors like Mercedes-Benz, which recently launched a vehicle utilizing lithium-metal solid-state batteries.

However, challenges remain. Martin Schuster, BMW Group’s vice president of next-generation battery technology, has acknowledged that while progress is being made, solid-state batteries are still costly, and existing lithium-ion technology requires further enhancements.

This sentiment echoes the industry’s collective anticipation, as global leaders such as CATL and BYD also race to incorporate ASSBs into their EV offerings. BYD has projected a limited market release of these batteries by 2027, while CATL aims for similar timelines.

As car manufacturers jostle for position in the rapidly evolving EV landscape, the question remains: who will be the first to successfully commercialize all-solid-state batteries at scale? The journey is still in its early stages, but the advancements being made signal a thrilling era for electric mobility.