BMW Closes In On The Solid State EV Battery Of The Future

The article discusses BMW’s advancing efforts in developing solid state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), highlighting the automaker’s collaboration with US startup Solid Power and Korean firm Samsung SDI. Solid state batteries replace the conventional liquid electrolyte with solid materials, offering advantages such as reduced fire hazards, lighter weight, greater compactness, longer lifespan, and improved performance. Despite challenges in replacing liquid electrolytes, solid state battery technology is nearing commercialization, with several major players like QuantumScape and Toyota making significant strides. BMW’s involvement dates back to 2016, and the company invested in Solid Power when it went public in 2021. The current collaboration aims to integrate Solid Power’s sulfide-based solid electrolyte technology with Samsung SDI’s manufacturing capabilities, ultimately leading to a BMW demonstration vehicle. Solid Power’s approach uses a single sulfide-based solid layer that functions both as a separator and conductive electrolyte, focusing on cost containment and scalable production using earth-abundant materials. While sulfide electrolytes face certain