Samsung SDI, Solid Power, and BMW to collaborate on solid-state batteries

Under this agreement, Samsung SDI will supply solid-state cells that use a solid electrolyte developed by Solid Power and are said to “offer improved energy density and safety,” according to the announcements. BMW will develop modules and packs for the solid-state cells. The agreement explicitly refers to “modules and packs,” although BMW is relying on cell-to-pack technology without modules for its new class of electric cars.

However, the cell-to-pack battery in the new iX3 uses round cells. Samsung SDI’s All-Solid-State Battery (ASSB), on the other hand, uses prismatic cells. And BMW uses prismatic cells in its electric cars based on the CLAR platform, for example. Back in May, BMW itself announced that it would be testing Solid Power’s solid-state cells in an i7.

While the i7 mentioned above still used pilot cells from Solid Power, which were manufactured on a very small scale, the current tests with Samsung SDI also involve a larger battery manufacturer. This means that the focus is no longer on functional tests of pure prototype batteries, but on cells that have been manufactured by a large-scale manufacturer with a view to further commercialisation.

BMW has been using Samsung SDI batteries since 2009

The three partners intend to evaluate the performance of the solid-state cells based on the agreed parameters and requirements and integrate them into BMW’s next-generation evaluation vehicles, according to the announcements. The collaboration is significant “in that the three specialised companies have established a practical collaboration system and a model for global value chains for ASSB cells, aiming to pave the way for their commercialisation by bringing together their complementary expertise in cells manufacturing, automaking and materials development.”

BMW and Solid Power have been working together on solid-state batteries for years. Their partnership dates back to 2016. Things got serious three years ago when both sides signed a technology transfer agreement. BMW’s partnership with Samsung SDI dates back to 2009, when the Koreans were selected by BMW as a battery supplier. Until now, however, Samsung SDI has pursued its solid-state activities independently, and it is only now that the three companies are officially working together in this area. Back in 2024, the South Koreans announced their intention to start mass-producing solid-state cells in 2027.

“Technological competitiveness in batteries would ultimately lead to innovations in electric vehicles,” says Stella Joo-Young Go, Executive Vice President of the ASSB Commercialization Team at Samsung SDI. “Samsung SDI will work closely with strategic partners such as BMW and Solid Power to take the lead in commercialization of 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,” adds 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,” comments 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.”

samsungsdi.com, solidpowerbattery.com

This article was originally published by Sebastian Schaal for electrive’s German edition