Samsung SDI joins BMW, Solid Power for all-solid-state battery validation project

Samsung SDI has signed a trilateral agreement with German manufacturer BMW Group and U.S. battery technology company Solid Power to collaborate on an all-solid-state battery (ASSB) validation project.

Under this arrangement, Samsung SDI will supply ASSB cells, featuring enhanced energy density and safety, by utilizing the solid electrolyte developed by Solid Power. BMW will develop modules and packs for ASSB cells. The three partners aim to evaluate the performance of ASSB cells based on the agreed parameters and requirements, and to integrate them into BMW’s next-generation evaluation vehicles.

ASSB cells use solid electrolytes instead of the liquid electrolytes found in conventional lithium-ion batteries. They offer superior safety and can achieve higher energy density compared with conventional batteries, enabling electric vehicles (EVs) to drive longer ranges without having to accept disadvantages in terms of weight of the overall storage system.

The collaboration carries significance in that the three specialized companies have established a practical collaboration system and a model for global value chains for ASSB cells, aiming to pave the way for their commercialization by bringing together their complementary expertise in cells manufacturing, automaking, and materials development.

The upcoming collaboration could draw industry attention as the long-running partnership between Samsung SDI and BMW expands to a new arena. The two companies have maintained their collaborative relations since 2009 when the German automotive group chose the Korean battery supplier.

"Technological competitiveness in batteries would ultimately lead to innovation in electric vehicles," says Stella Joo-Young Go, executive vice president of ASSB Commercialization Team at Samsung SDI. "Samsung SDI will work closely with great global partners like BMW and Solid Power to take the lead in commercializing ASSB."

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

"We are excited to partner with Samsung SDI and BMW to progress the development of all-solid-state batteries," says John Van Scoter, president and CEO of Solid Power. "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."