German automobile, motorcycle, and engine manufacturing company BMW AG is recently announced that it aims to develop a solid-state battery car prototype before 2025, entering a fast-moving race for a technology aimed at increasing electric vehicle power and range.

The automaker said its researchers are working intensively on solid-state batteries, considering cell storage a key component of its electric vehicle transition.

BMW will compete against Toyota, Volkswagen, and other leading automakers to bring the technology into automobiles.

Commenting on the move, Frank Weber, BMW development Chief mentioned that they are likely to have an automotive-grade solid-state battery for use in their car series by the end of the decade.

The lithium-ion batteries in EVs currently on sale comprise liquid electrolytes between the cathode and anode. Solid-state batteries will switch the liquid for a solid, enhancing performance and safety, sources cited.

In this context, Cecilia L’Ecluse, research analyst at BNEF, expressed that these batteries can improve range, reduce charging time, and eliminate fire risk. Moreover, BNEF claims that solid-state battery costs will decline within the next 15 years.

As electric vehicles are still in their infancy, BMW expects that its research will put costs in line with the new internal combustion engines, which are significantly cheaper to produce. It believes that solid-state technology could boost cell energy density by a mid-double-digit percentage range. Another part of the company's research will be battery recyclability to create a completely recyclable cell.

Sources with knowledge of the matter stated that the automaker intends to make a dozen fully electric vehicles available for purchase by 2023. The i4 saloon will join the iX lineup later this year, and electric versions of the 5 Series, 7 Series, and a successor to the Mini Countryman are planned.

Source Credits –

https://europe.autonews.com/automakers/bmw-joins-vw-race-next-level-ev-batteries