German car maker BMW Group said it and Solid Power, a US solid-state battery maker, boosted their collaboration to include a research and development licence.
This paves the way for BMW to establish a prototype solid-state line in its cell manufacturing centre near Munich.
The two companies will each do complementary cell development and manufacturing to advance all-solid-state cell design and manufacturing know-how.
Frank Weber of BMW’s development unit, said: “BMW remains committed to the pursuit of all-solid-state batteries, a technology which we believe has significant potential for the future.”
He said BMW is looking to produce solid-state cells based on Solid Power’s designs at its own pilot facility. “We expect this agreement to accelerate the installation of our solid-state prototype line and our companies’ mutual goal of commercialising this promising cell technology.”
Solid Power plans to deliver full-scale automotive cells to BMW Group for testing purposes in 2023.
BMW Group announced its Gen6 Li-ion cell In September 2022. It refined the cell format and cell chemistry, claiming it will be possible to increase the range of the highest-range model by up to 30%.
It expects 50% of BMW Group global sales to come from electric vehicles before 2030.
