Solid State Battery Revolution: BMW and Chery Test Next-Gen EV Power

German giant BMW and Chinese automaker Chery are actively testing cutting-edge solid state batteries on their electric vehicles (EVs).

These advanced power sources promise to transform the EV landscape, offering greater energy density, extended driving ranges, and faster charging times compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. 

What’s a Solid State Battery?

Solid-state batteries represent a significant advancement over the lithium-ion batteries commonly used in EVs today. 

Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which rely on liquid or gel electrolytes, solid-state batteries employ a solid material. This key difference enables higher energy density, allowing more power to be stored in a smaller, lighter package. 

For EV drivers, this could translate into extended driving ranges and significantly reduced charging times, transforming the electric vehicle experience.

Chery’s Ambitious Solid State Vision

Chery aims to push the boundaries of battery technology with its goal to establish the world’s first 1GWh solid-state battery production line. A gigawatt-hour represents an immense energy capacity, capable of powering thousands of households. 

Announced in October 2024, Chery plans to commence initial production by 2027. These batteries are projected to achieve an energy density of 600Wh/kg, enabling an impressive 1,500 km range for EVs.

As per reports, the test vehicle spotted likely features a solid-state battery developed by Gotion High-Tech, which recently completed on-board testing. Gotion’s battery has a 350Wh/kg energy density and a 70Ah capacity, suitable for up to 1,000 km of range. 

While these specifications are promising, they fall short of Chery’s 600 Wh/kg target, indicating that further development is needed to meet the company’s ambitious goals.

BMW’s Solid State Testing Breakthrough

BMW, in collaboration with Solid Power, also began road-testing an i7 prototype with all-solid-state battery (ASSB) cells. Using Gen 5 battery packaging with prismatic cells and a sulfide-based solid electrolyte, BMW is evaluating durability, cell expansion, operating pressure, and temperature adaptability. 

While specific performance metrics remain undisclosed, this testing underscores BMW’s commitment to integrating solid-state technology, which could enhance range and charging efficiency in future EVs.

Industry Context and Future Outlook

Both Chery and BMW are part of a broader industry race, with companies like Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai also exploring solid-state batteries. 

Chery’s explicit 2027 production target contrasts with BMW’s focus on rigorous testing without a confirmed timeline.

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