BMW & Chery Launch Solid-State Battery Road Tests

Compared to the liquid lithium-ion batteries that currently dominate the market, solid-state batteries offer two distinct advantages: First, solid-state batteries demonstrate superior resistance to extremely low temperatures while reducing fire risk, thereby enhancing vehicle safety. Second, solid-state batteries deliver higher energy density, positioning them as the future direction for automotive batteries.

Encouragingly, the era of automotive-grade solid-state batteries is rapidly approaching.

BMW's Solid-State Battery Vehicle Testing Hits the Road

On May 20, BMW announced that its first batch of electric vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries had commenced road testing.

source: OFweek

The test vehicle is based on a modified current-generation i7, utilizing sulfide electrolyte prismatic batteries developed by Solid Power. These batteries have been redesigned to seamlessly integrate with BMW's existing fifth-generation electric drivetrain platform.

Martin Schuster, Vice President of Battery Cells and Cell Modules at BMW Group, stated: "The all-electric BMW i7 solid-state battery test vehicle we're currently road-testing exemplifies BMW Group's open technology philosophy. We continue to advance next-generation cell technology development while expanding our technical expertise through partnerships with high-quality collaborators like Solid Power."

John Van Scoter, CEO of Solid Power, commented: "Solid Power takes immense pride in our collaboration with BMW, which has enabled the first real-world demonstration of truly solid-state battery cells in an actual vehicle. We remain bullish on solid-state battery potential and will continue driving innovation in sulfide electrolyte technology to support the future of electric mobility."

According to reports, during the coming months of testing, Solid Power's sulfide electrolyte-equipped cells will be integrated into complete battery packs, delivering critical test insights for BMW Group. Notably, these innovative cells were developed and manufactured through collaboration between Solid Power and BMW Group experts.

BMW also noted that achieving practical implementation of solid-state battery technology in competitive energy storage systems requires continued development efforts.

BMW's partnership with Solid Power began in 2016. In May 2021, BMW participated in Solid Power's funding round. By late 2022, BMW Group and Solid Power reached agreement to further deepen their collaborative relationship.

BMW will establish a solid-state battery prototype production line at its Cell Manufacturing Technology Center (CMCC) in Parsdorf, near Munich. This facility will operate under development licensing and incorporate Solid Power's practical experience and expertise.

Notably, BMW's competitor Mercedes-Benz is equally aggressive in pursuing solid-state battery technology. Mercedes recently revealed that it has been testing Factorial Energy's solid-state battery design in EQS sedans, promising a range exceeding 621 miles (approximately 1,000 kilometers). Factorial anticipates its solid-state batteries could reduce weight by 40% compared to existing lithium-ion batteries.

Chery Launches Solid-State Battery Vehicle Testing

Recently, Chery's premium electric crossover—the Sterra ET—appeared in Hefei, China, with prominent "Solid-State Battery" markings on its flanks, attracting industry attention.

source: Chery

This test vehicle's debut marks Chery's crucial step toward solid-state battery commercialization.

Media reports indicate this Chery solid-state battery test vehicle appeared near the headquarters of Gotion High-Tech, which is backed by Volkswagen. Previously, Chery announced collaboration with Anhui Anwa New Energy Technology to develop solid-state batteries. According to corporate records, Chery New Energy holds a 9.89% stake in the company, while Gotion High-Tech owns 5.89%.

In January 2024, Chery signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Gotion High-Tech, which already supplies batteries for multiple Chery new energy vehicle models.

Sources from Gotion High-Tech revealed that their latest solid-state batteries have completed vehicle testing, achieving energy density of 350Wh/kg with 70Ah capacity, supporting 1,000-kilometer range.

Industry publication WeeKit Solid-State Battery noted that in October 2024, Chery unveiled its solid-state battery strategy, planning to begin initial mass production in 2027 and establish the world's first 1GWh-scale solid-state battery production line.

Chery plans to develop solid-state battery packs with energy density reaching 600Wh/kg, providing electric vehicles with maximum range of up to 1,500 kilometers, significantly outperforming current mainstream lithium battery capabilities.

Conclusion

Among automakers, multiple manufacturers including Hyundai, Nissan, Stellantis, Toyota, and Honda are also accelerating development of next-generation electric vehicle batteries.

On the battery manufacturer front, CATL and BYD also plan to launch electric vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries in the coming years. Despite CATL and BYD's current market leadership, other battery manufacturers are rapidly advancing real-world testing.

2025 represents a critical juncture for solid-state battery mass production. Currently, semi-solid-state batteries have achieved scale production, primarily using oxide technology; solid-state batteries are expected to enter full commercial deployment after 2027, with sulfide technology potentially becoming mainstream.

Industry forecasts indicate that global solid-state battery demand will reach 500GWh levels by 2035, with compound annual growth rates of 30%.