BMW Solid-State Leap

The Newest Electric Power

Hey, have you heard about the latest move in electric vehicle technology? It’s all about solid-state batteries, the next big thing for EVs. So, think of it this way: most of the electric cars you see buzzing around are using lithium-ion batteries. They’re pretty good, but solid-state batteries are gearing up to be even better. This German giant, BMW, has been tinkering with this tech for years, and it’s now testing its shiny new i7 M70 on the streets of Munich. Those test batteries have been in development since 2016, so it seems like BMW is finally taking the covers off and putting them to real-world tests.

BMW’s Plan

Back in the day, around 2016, BMW teamed up with Solid Power, a battery tech firm, and by mid-2021, they went all-in by plunking down some serious investment cash. BMW isn’t flying solo though, because Ford’s also a part of this electric adventure. As of last year, BMW had set up a prototype production line for these cells. So now, this partnership is bearing fruit with the i7 M70 loaded with solid-state batteries.

What’s Special?

BMW’s fifth-gen battery tech focuses on combining gain with reliability. Although they have a newer set of batteries lined up, they trust this fifth generation more for understanding and tuning cell expansion, temperature, and pressure. It’s like they’re refining a classic recipe rather than going for the newest dish on the menu.

Why Solid-State?

Solid-state batteries come with a list of perks: higher energy density and a lighter setup. What does that mean for the driver? More miles per charge—it’s all about that range. Plus, these batteries handle temperature changes better, which cuts down on fire risks and boosts reliability. But, here’s the kicker: the tech ain’t cheap yet. Right now, it’s seen as too pricey for customers’ tastes. Not surprisingly, the competition isn’t sleeping either; Mercedes-Benz is closely chasing this tech with its EQS, with talks of “semi-solid-state” ventures.

Driving Dynamics

Driving anything with a solid-state battery might feel like transitioning from a solid B-plus student to an A-student overnight. Expect smoother acceleration and possibly similar handling to the current BMW EV fleet, but with the benefit of better weight distribution. Think of it as driving a dream: familiar, yet just easier and more responsive.

What’s Next?

Solid-state batteries sure sound like the future, but there’s enough juice in present-day lithium-ion tech to meet most driving needs today. Look at BMW’s Neue Klasse models—they’re anticipated to achieve over 500 miles on a single charge. But let’s be honest, seeing solid-state batteries in mass production before this decade ends seems like a stretch. Expect high-end or exclusive models to test these waters first. Who takes the lead in this race is still up in the air, be it BMW or Mercedes.