BMW Group, Solid Power & Samsung SDI Advance EV Batteries

The journey toward the next generation of EVs takes a step forward as the BMW Group and Solid Power expand their long-standing collaboration.

Since 2022, BMW Group and Solid Power have worked together under a technology transfer agreement to accelerate the development of all-solid-state battery (ASSB) technology.

Now, Samsung SDI joins the partnership to support the validation and development of this transformative battery technology for the automotive sector.

A new trio for battery development

A milestone in the collaboration is the successful integration of Solid Power’s large-format pure ASSB cells into a BMW i7 technology test vehicle.

This development signals progress in moving solid-state batteries from the laboratory to real-world automotive applications.

The integration into a flagship vehicle like the i7 could demonstrate the viability of ASSBs in demanding high-performance scenarios, paving the way for their use in future series-production EVs.

Under the new tripartite agreement, Solid Power will supply its proprietary sulphide-based solid electrolyte to Samsung SDI.

Upon receiving the electrolyte, Samsung SDI intends to use it in building cells, which will then be evaluated against performance parameters agreed upon with the BMW Group.

The success of these evaluations is subject to the achievement of specific technical requirements.

“We are excited to partner with Samsung SDI and BMW to progress the development of all-solid-state batteries,” says John Van Scoter, President and CEO of Solid Power.

“Our solid electrolyte technology is designed for stability and conductivity and by working closely with global leaders in automotive and battery innovation, we strive to bring ASSB technology closer to widespread adoption.”

The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to integrate the developed ASSB cells into a future generation of evaluation vehicles.

The promise of ASSB technology for EVs

This collaboration could change the EV landscape.

"The BMW Group, Solid Power and Samsung SDI believe in the potential of genuine ASSB technology and the promise of higher energy density combined with increased safety compared to today’s technologies by replacing liquid electrolytes with solid materials," says BMW in a press release.

For EV drivers, higher energy density could translate directly to a longer vehicle range without the disadvantage of increasing the weight of the battery storage system.

This addresses one of the primary concerns for potential EV buyers: range anxiety. The move to a solid electrolyte from a liquid one also offers safety improvements.

"Technological competitiveness in batteries would ultimately lead to innovation in electric vehicles," says Stella Joo-Young Go, Executive Vice President of ASSB Commercialisation Team at Samsung SDI. 

A decade of battery cell advancement

The BMW Group’s work with Solid Power dates back to 2016 through an extended “Joint Development Agreement”.

This relationship was further solidified by the BMW Group’s investment in Solid Power in May 2021.

At the end of 2022, the partners agreed to deepen their work together, allowing the BMW Group to operate a solid-state cell prototype line at its Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre (CMCC) in Parsdorf, Germany, using Solid Power’s expertise.

The BMW Group has been systematically building its battery cell competence since 2008, pooling this expertise at its Battery Cell Competence Centre (BCCC) in Munich since 2019.

The company now cooperates with more than 300 partners in this field.

“With Samsung SDI joining our partnership with Solid Power, we gain significant momentum on our path to advancing the development of new battery cell technologies,” says Martin Schuster, Vice President Battery Cell and Cell Module at the BMW Group.

“This global collaboration is another proof point of our overarching goal: to be always in a position to offer our customers the latest battery technology.”

The BCCC covers the entire value chain, from research and development to battery cell design, giving the BMW Group access to innovative battery solutions worldwide.