BMW, Samsung & Solid Power: Advancing Solid-State Batteries

Since 2022, BMW and Solid Power have worked together through a technology transfer agreement, aimed at accelerating all-solid-state battery (ASSB) innovation for automotive applications.

The partnership now includes Samsung SDI, marking a new phase in validation and production.

Solid Power’s large-format ASSB cells have now been integrated into a BMW i7 technology test vehicle, signalling further progress towards introducing the technology into evaluation vehicles for broader testing.

Developing solid-state battery technology

Solid Power is set to supply a sulphide-based solid electrolyte to Samsung SDI, a material designed to replace the liquid electrolytes used in conventional lithium-ion batteries. The electrolyte helps enable solid-state batteries, which use solid materials instead of liquids to transport ions between electrodes during charging and discharging.

Samsung SDI will integrate the electrolyte it into the separator and/or catholyte. The resulting battery cells are then subject to technical performance evaluation under joint criteria set by Samsung SDI and BMW.

John Van Scoter, President and CEO at Solid Power, comments: “We are excited to partner with Samsung SDI and BMW to progress the development of all-solid-state batteries. 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 aim is to prepare ASSB cells for integration into a next generation of BMW evaluation vehicles. 

Targeting energy density and vehicle range

BMW says 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". 

This shift could increase the energy density of batteries, which refers to the amount of energy stored per unit of volume or weight. A higher energy density may translate to extended range for electric vehicles without increasing the size or weight of the battery pack.

This view is echoed by Stella Joo-Young Go, Samsung SDI’s Executive Vice President of the ASSB Commercialisation Team: “Technological competitiveness in batteries would ultimately lead to innovation in electric vehicles. Samsung SDI will work closely with great global partners like BMW and Solid Power to take the lead in commercialising ASSB.”

BMW’s battery development journey

BMW has worked with Solid Power since 2016 through a long-term Joint Development Agreement. This included a financial investment from BMW into Solid Power in 2021.

In 2022, BMW took the collaboration further by operating a prototype solid-state battery cell production line at its Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre (CMCC) in Parsdorf, Germany. This setup is based on a R&D licence and leverages Solid Power’s manufacturing expertise.

BMW’s approach to battery technology extends back to 2008, when the company began developing its in-house capabilities in battery cell research. Since 2019, these efforts have been consolidated at the Battery Cell Competence Centre (BCCC) in Munich. The facility spans the full battery cell value chain, from design and development to manufacturability.

Martin Schuster, Vice President of Battery Cell and Cell Module at BMW Group, says: “With Samsung SDI joining our partnership with Solid Power, we gain significant momentum on our path advancing the development of new battery cell technologies. 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.”

Through the BCCC, BMW gains access to innovative battery cell research across the globe. The auto giant states: “This strategically strong position in the value chain ensures the BMW Group access to all new and innovative battery cell research solutions worldwide."

BMW now works with more than 300 partners, including Samsung SDI and Solid Power, as part of its ongoing investment in electric vehicle battery research and development. By strengthening partnerships with leaders in battery innovation, BMW positions itself to maintain a competitive edge in next-generation electric mobility.