Solid-state batteries are seen as something of a holy grail for electric vehicles and BMW has announced we’ll see a demonstrator vehicle using them “well before 2025.”
The company didn’t go into many specifics, but called solid-state batteries a “game changer” and promised automotive-compatible batteries will go into series production by the end of the decade.
While details are lacking, solid-state batteries promise to be a major improvement over the lithium-ion batteries that are found in current electric vehicles. Among their advantages are higher energy densities, which will allow for compact and lightweight battery packs. Solid-state batteries are also slated to be safer, easier to produce, and more affordable than lithium-ion batteries once production is scaled up.
Also Read: BMW i4 Electric Sedan Debuts With Up To 523 HP And 300 Miles Range
Besides talking about solid-state batteries, BMW revealed some new details about their “Neue Klasse” of vehicles which will be launched by the middle of this decade and be “uncompromisingly electric.” These upcoming models will use next-generation battery technology, which promises to be a “big leap” over what’s found in current EVs.
According to BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse, “We want to significantly increase the energy density of the cells and reduce the costs of material use and production at the same time. We will also significantly reduce the use of primary material to ensure a truly ‘green’ battery.” Development is already underway and the company is evaluating different cell formats, chemistries and modules.
If everything goes according to plan, the Neue Klasse EVs will have ranges and manufacturing costs on par with vehicles powered by state-of-the-art internal combustion engines.
The focus on electric vehicles isn’t surprising as BMW expects at least 50 percent of its global sales will come from EVs by 2030. The company also estimates it will have around 10 million EVs on the road in the next decade, which would be a significant jump from the two million expected by the end of 2025.
Note: BMW i4 pictured