BMW has not committed to solid-state batteries because they are more expensive than lithium-ion batteries, but they believe there is still room for cost/performance improvements. An objective of the industry is to have an electric vehicle with the range of a traditional diesel. Current battery technology can not permit this without requiring large modules or sacrificing charging speeds, but solid-state batteries, which are expected to revolutionize the industry, are something that could realize the ideal.
BMW has announced that they will no longer use their solid-state batteries
Companies such as SAIC, owner of the MG, have already stated that they are ready to reach the goal of 1,000 kilometers of autonomy. Others are Honda, which recently built a 270 million euro mega factory to produce solid-state batteries; BYD, which plans to start using them soon; and Mercedes, which claims to have a car that already has those 1,000 kilometers. A few years ago, other big companies like Ford and BMW started to show interest in this technology. However, it is the current BMW that has made it clear that even though solid-state batteries are the way of the future, lithium-ion batteries still have a lot to offer.
There are several reasons for the interest in solid-state batteries. They can store more energy than lithium-ion batteries because they are denser despite being lighter and smaller. They are also safer because a solid electrolyte is used in place of the flammable liquid, charges considerably faster, and has an expected lifespan of 8,000 to 10,000 cycles before degrading. All of the big corporations are interested in the technology, as Toyota has dubbed it what can transform the future of electric vehicles. However, Martin Schuster, Vice President of Next Generation Battery Technology at BMW, has somewhat defused the situation in a recent interview with Autocar.
Like so many other things, the decision to switch to new solid-state batteries is being driven by financial considerations. Schuster has stated that BMW will not need to have this battery available for purchase for eight years. The lithium-ion battery is currently the most important development; it is not yet complete, and there are still improvements to be seen; there isn’t a single definitive battery, and it won’t be available anytime soon, but for now, it can continue to improve. The true problem lies in cutting expenses rather than improving performance. Cost reduction is Schuster’s first and most crucial goal. Solid-state batteries can now be produced, he claimed, but the price is too high. However, lithium-ion batteries still have a way to go.
The true problem lies in cutting expenses rather than improving performance. Cost reduction is Schuster’s first and most crucial goal. Solid-state batteries can now be produced, he claimed, but the price is too high. Since they haven’t found a technique to produce millions of solid-state battery cells at a low cost with high efficiency, a clear quality increase, and simple integration into existing automobiles, Schuster stated that their Gen6 battery will be the one they utilize going forward. Naturally, however, Mercedes has a 1,000-kilometer autonomous battery ready, and Autocar questioned him about it.
He retorted, “Their price range is not competitive.” According to the CEO, that is the current situation, and we will pay attention when we observe that they face competition from lithium-ion batteries in terms of cost/price ratio. It appears that BMW has ten years to consider integrating solid-state batteries into its cars, and the Neue Klasse with the Gen6 battery is the German company’s wager, according to Schuster. The X5 of 2026 will be the first to get these batteries, but they will also be incorporated into other models, like SUVs.
