BMW intent on commercializing Solid State Batteries for electric vehicles, aiming to surpass Toyota's industry position.
In the world of electric vehicles (EVs), the race to develop Solid State batteries is heating up. Multiple car manufacturers, including Honda, Volkswagen, Ford, and BMW, are reportedly looking to adopt this technology, which could revolutionise the EV industry.
Toyota has been at the forefront of Solid State battery development for the past decade. The Japanese automaker expects their batteries to deliver a 600-mile range from a battery pack smaller than current lithium-ion batteries, and to recharge far quicker. They aim to bring these batteries to market in the early 2020s.
BMW is partnering with US EV battery maker Solid Power to develop solid state batteries for electric cars. This partnership could potentially put Toyota ahead in the EV market, as they have a 10-year contract with Solid Power, with commercial production of their solid-state batteries expected around 2027.
Ford and BMW have also invested almost £100 million in Solid Power, a battery maker that both companies have partnered with to develop Solid State batteries. Similarly, Volkswagen has invested £75 million in QuantumScape, a California battery tech company, to deliver solid state batteries for EVs by 2025.
James Dyson's electric cars, when they arrive, are expected to boast solid state battery technology. Honda is also joining the race to commercialize Solid State batteries for electric cars, following companies like Toyota and BMW.
The development of solid state batteries for EVs could mark a significant shift in the acceptance of EVs as a viable alternative to Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars. These batteries are expected to be more energy-dense, safer, and require less complicated cooling and heating compared to lithium-ion batteries.
However, there are still doubts that solid state batteries for electric cars can be a reality in the short term, despite efforts from car makers. The race for Solid State batteries for EVs is increasingly competitive, with multiple car makers investing in different battery tech companies. The widespread adoption of these batteries in EVs could involve more car makers, leading to a new era in the EV industry.
