BMW is taking a serious step towards the way forward for electrical car expertise by starting real-world testing of all-solid-state battery (ASSB) cells in a BMW i7 take a look at car. Developed in collaboration with Colorado-based Stable Energy, this prototype marks the primary time large-format solid-state cells have been built-in into a completely operational BMW car and pushed on public roads.
The testing, at the moment underway within the Munich space, represents a big milestone within the BMW Group’s long-term technique to deliver next-generation battery expertise to its EV lineup. Stable-state batteries have lengthy been considered as a possible game-changer in electrical mobility, promising larger power density, improved security, and, ultimately, decrease manufacturing prices.
Not like conventional lithium-ion batteries, which use liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries depend on stable supplies to maneuver ions between the anode and cathode. This eliminates the chance of leakage or fireplace related to liquid cells, whereas additionally permitting for a extra compact and energy-dense bundle. For drivers, that might translate to longer vary, faster charging, and a extra sturdy battery pack with fewer compromises.
BMW’s take a look at car makes use of ASSB cells primarily based on sulfide-based electrolytes developed by Stable Energy. These superior cells are built-in into an idea battery pack that builds on the fifth-generation (Gen5) prismatic cell structure already present in BMW’s present EVs. However it’s not only a plug-and-play swap. Engineers are utilizing the i7 testbed to review how the solid-state modules behave below real-world circumstances — from managing cell growth to optimizing stress and thermal circumstances inside the pack.
“This take a look at car is an ideal instance of our technology-open strategy,” mentioned Martin Schuster, Vice President of Battery Cell and Cell Module at BMW. “We’re consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s attainable, and partnerships just like the one now we have with Stable Energy are key to that progress.”
Stable Energy CEO John Van Scoter additionally expressed enthusiasm for the breakthrough, stating, “We’re extraordinarily proud that our partnership with BMW has resulted within the first demonstration of really all-solid-state battery cells in a car. We consider strongly within the promise of this expertise.”
The collaboration between BMW and Stable Energy will not be new. The 2 corporations have labored collectively since 2016 and formalized their partnership with a joint improvement settlement and a BMW funding in 2021. As a part of their deepening cooperation, BMW may also function a solid-state prototype cell manufacturing line at its Cell Manufacturing Competence Middle (CMCC) in Parsdorf, Germany. The power will use Stable Energy’s supplies and experience below a analysis and improvement license to speed up in-house information and manufacturing capabilities.
For the BMW Group, this transfer is a part of a broader effort to remain on the forefront of battery innovation. Since 2008, the corporate has been steadily investing in battery R&D, culminating within the Battery Cell Competence Middle (BCCC) in Munich, which brings collectively analysis, design, and prototyping below one roof. At present, BMW works with greater than 300 companions throughout the globe — from startups to universities — to make sure it stays related to the most recent breakthroughs in power storage expertise.
Because the automotive trade races towards electrification, solid-state batteries are broadly considered as one of the crucial promising developments on the horizon. Although nonetheless within the early levels of real-world implementation, BMW’s work with Stable Energy could possibly be a serious step in bringing this high-potential expertise nearer to mass manufacturing. If profitable, solid-state cells may result in EVs that cost quicker, drive farther, and last more — all whereas utilizing safer, extra environment friendly battery designs.
This take a look at program with the i7 could also be a preview of what’s to come back, and it places BMW in a robust place to guide the following section of electrical car evolution.