BMW & Samsung: Creating Solid-State EV Batteries

A collaboration between the BMW Group and Solid Power to accelerate all-solid-state battery (ASSB) technology has been expanded, with Samsung SDI joining the partnership.

The joint effort aims to develop and validate this next-generation battery technology for the automotive sector.

The partnership builds on an existing technology transfer agreement between BMW Group and Solid Power in place since 2022.

A milestone for the companies was the integration of Solid Power’s large-format pure ASSB cells into a BMW i7 technology test vehicle.

A new framework for ASSB development

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

Upon receiving the materials, Samsung SDI intends to integrate the electrolyte into separators and catholytes to produce battery cells.

This process is contingent on the achievement of specific technical requirements.

These newly created cells will then undergo evaluation based on performance parameters and requirements agreed upon between Samsung SDI and BMW.

The ultimate goal is to integrate these advanced ASSB cells into a future generation of evaluation vehicles.

“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 overall aim is to integrate ASSB cells into a next generation of evaluation vehicles.

The potential of solid-state technology

The collaboration could be an important step for the automotive sector.

According to a press release from BMW, “the partners 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”.

An increase in energy density could translate to a longer vehicle range, potentially without the disadvantage of added weight from the storage system. 

"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. 

"Samsung SDI will work closely with great global partners like BMW and Solid Power to take the lead in commercialising ASSB."

A partnership built on experience

The relationship between BMW and Solid Power dates back to 2016 through a Joint Development Agreement.

This was further supported by BMW’s investment in Solid Power in May 2021.

At the end of 2022, the two companies deepened their partnership enabling BMW to operate a solid-state cell prototype line at its Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre (CMCC) in Parsdorf, Germany.

This facility operates using a research and development licence from Solid Power leveraging its expertise.

BMW has been developing its competence in battery cell technology since 2008, pooling this knowledge at its Battery Cell Competence Center (BCCC) in Munich since 2019.

BMW works with a network of more than 300 partners, including Samsung SDI and Solid Power.

“With Samsung SDI joining our partnership with Solid Power, we gain significant momentum on our path 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 state of the art battery technology.”