While some brands claim solid-state batteries for electric cars are just around the corner – and laud the technology as a ‘silver bullet’ for EVs – BMW says it’s not a near-term solution.
Some car makers claim they are drawing close to introducing solid-state batteries in their electric cars – but BMW says such tech remains a while away for its models, and there is life left in current technology.
BMW has invested in solid-state battery technology for a number of years, but the boss of the brand’s M performance division, Frank van Meel, told Australian media the German firm is betting on a ‘sixth generation’ of its conventional battery technology for the near term.
Planned to feature in the company’s ‘Neue Klasse’ next-generation electric-vehicle range, BMW has promised its future EVs will offer 30 per cent quicker charging, 30 per cent longer driving ranges, 20 per cent higher energy density in their battery cells, and 800-volt electricals.
Van Meel said the company’s new battery technology will enable a “huge increase in range, power density and power output,” and is destined for its M performance cars, likely including the next-generation electric M3.
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“Of course, for M vehicles, we will also have to look at chemistry and cells to get more power out of it,” he said.
However, increasing the performance of an electric vehicle isn’t just a case of bigger batteries and more powerful motors.
“Because of course we install more power, we want to have continuous power output. We have to look into cooling as well,” said van Meel.
“We will talk about it in more detail, as we continue our journey towards the start of production of the first high-performance M [electric] vehicle.”
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Described by some as the ‘next big thing’ for electric cars, solid-state batteries promise significant increases in driving range, much lower weight and faster charging compared to today’s lithium-ion packs.
Honda also claims this forthcoming technology could also reduce the price of batteries by 25 per cent.
Yet, despite its benefits, comments from other BMW executives in recent days suggest the first of the brand’s cars powered by a solid-state battery could be eight years away.
As the name suggests, solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte – rather than a liquid electrolyte – to transport ions between anodes and cathodes for storing and expelling energy.
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Toyota has pledged to bring solid-state battery technology to its cars around 2028, while Honda unveiled a demonstration production line for solid-state batteries in November 2024.
However, the boss of CATL – one of the largest manufacturers of current battery technology – Dr Robin Zeng is dubious of solid-state battery technology, claiming it has problems with reliability, durability and safety.
BMW has partnered with Solid Power to develop solid-state batteries for future electric vehicles.
Although there were reports of BMW prototype vehicles using solid-state technology as early as 2024, nothing has been shown publicly by the German carmaker.
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