BMW Group begins testing Solid Power’s all-solid-state battery cells in a BMW i7
May 21, 2025
The BMW Group, headquartered in Munich, Germany, has reported it is testing large-format, pure all-solid-state battery (ASSB) cells from Solid Power of Louisville, Colorado, USA, in its BMW i7 test vehicle. With a higher energy density compared to current battery technologies, ASSB batteries are said to have the potential to achieve longer ranges in vehicles, without the weight penalties typically associated with conventional storage systems.
The concept battery integrated in the BMW i7 test vehicle combines proven Gen5 construction principles (prismatic cells in modules) with new, innovative module concepts for integrating ASSB cells from Solid Power.
“Solid Power is extremely proud that our partnership with BMW has resulted in the first demonstration of truly all-solid-state battery cells in a vehicle,” said John Van Scoter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Solid Power. “We believe in the promise of ASSB’s and continue to drive innovation of our sulfide electrolyte in support of that future for EV’s.”
During the test phase, the management of cell expansion will be investigated alongside how the operating pressure is controlled and how temperature conditions can be adjusted. The use of Solid Power cells with sulfide-based electrolytes and their complete integration into a battery pack will provide the BMW Group with important findings in the test programme over the coming months.
Martin Schuster, Vice President Battery Cell and Cell Module at the BMW Group, stated, “Our BMW i7 ASSB test vehicle on the road is a perfect example of the BMW Group’s technology-open mindset. We are continuously advancing the development of new battery cell technologies and are constantly expanding our know-how with valuable partners such as Solid Power.”
The innovative cells were developed and manufactured by Solid Power in collaboration with experts from the BMW Group. It was added that further development steps are required to implement ASSB technology in a competitive overall storage system.
Battery technology cooperation
The BMW Group and Solid Power have been cooperating since 2016 through an extended Joint Development Agreement, which was supported by BMW Group’s investment in Solid Power in May 2021 as part of a financing round.
At the end of 2022, BMW and Solid Power agreed to further deepen their partnership. BMW will operate a solid cell prototype line at the CMCC (Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre) in Parsdorf on the basis of a research and development license and using the experience and expertise of Solid Power.
The BMW Group reports it has been steadily expanding its expertise in battery cell technology since aroud 2008. In 2019, the company consolidated this knowledge at its Battery Cell Competence Centre (BCCC) in Munich. The BCCC covers the entire value chain, from research and development to battery cell design and production capability.
In order to be able to implement innovations in battery cell technology quickly and efficiently, the BMW Group cooperates in a network of around 300 partners, including established companies, start-ups and universities.
