The BMW Group has reached a major milestone in electric mobility by integrating large-format, all-solid-state battery (ASSB) cells from Solid Power into a BMW i7 test vehicle now operating in the Munich area.
BMW and Solid Power have been deepening their collaboration on ASSB technology since their technology transfer agreement in 2022, and their joint efforts are now bearing fruit. “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, CEO of Solid Power. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing sulphide-based electrolytes, which are central to its battery architecture.
BMW’s i7 prototype combines Gen5 design elements—such as prismatic cells in modules—with innovative module concepts tailored for ASSB integration. The test programme will focus on managing cell expansion, operational pressure, and thermal regulation—crucial factors in the real-world performance of this next-generation battery technology.
Martin Schuster, VP of Battery Cell and Module at BMW Group, said, “Our BMW i7 ASSB test vehicle on the road is a perfect example of the BMW Group's technology-open mindset. We are constantly expanding our battery expertise with partners like Solid Power.”
Solid Power’s ASSB cells, built with sulphide-based solid electrolytes, are being evaluated as part of BMW’s broader strategy to maintain technological flexibility and leadership in battery development. The cells were developed and manufactured jointly by Solid Power and BMW engineers, with further testing underway to refine their integration into a competitive, scalable battery system.
BMW’s collaboration with Solid Power dates back to 2016, supported by a joint development agreement and a BMW investment in Solid Power in 2021. In 2022, the partnership expanded further, allowing BMW to operate its own solid-state prototype line at its Cell Manufacturing Competence Center (CMCC) in Parsdorf under a research license from Solid Power.
BMW’s growing battery expertise is anchored at its Battery Cell Competence Center (BCCC) in Munich, established in 2019, which spans the full value chain—from R&D and design to production capability. The automaker collaborates with a global network of over 300 partners, including startups, industry leaders, and academic institutions, to accelerate innovation in EV battery technology.
This real-world deployment of ASSB technology in the BMW i7 represents a significant leap toward safer, more efficient, and higher-performance EVs, reinforcing BMW's commitment to shaping the future of sustainable mobility.
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