By WhichEV
The BMW Group, in a significant stride towards next-generation electric vehicle (EV) power, has commenced on-road testing of all-solid-state battery (ASSB) cells in a specially equipped BMW i7. This milestone, achieved in partnership with US-based specialist Solid Power, Inc., sees large-format, pure ASSB cells integrated into a vehicle operating in the Munich area, marking a crucial step in validating this highly anticipated technology.
The collaboration between the German automotive giant and Solid Power, which has intensified since a technology transfer agreement in 2022, aims to harness the considerable potential of ASSB technology. Experts widely believe that solid-state batteries could revolutionise the EV landscape by offering significantly higher energy density in a more compact and potentially lighter package compared to current liquid-electrolyte lithium-ion batteries. This could translate directly into longer driving ranges for future BMW electric models, without the associated weight penalties that can impact vehicle dynamics and efficiency.
