BMW To Produce Solid Power's Solid-State Batteries In Germany

Solid Power, the industry-leading developer of all-solid-state battery and sulfide-based electrolyte technology has granted BMW Group a research and development license to its all-solid-state cell design and manufacturing know-how. This Joint Development Agreement (JDA) further shows the commitment both parties are putting into its sustainability development.

Through this JDA, both sides' production facility would jointly share resources to further advance the capability of Solid Power’s technology. On the production front meanwhile, BMW Group plans to replicate Solid Power’s pilot production lines at its own facility in Germany and produce prototype cells based on Solid Power’s proprietary technology.

Dr. Derek Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of Solid Power said, “We could not be more excited about growing our relationship with BMW, a company that has demonstrated a strong commitment to Solid Power’s technology for the past seven years”.

“BMW remains committed to the pursuit of all-solid-state batteries, a technology which we believe has significant potential for the future,” said Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management BMW AG, Development. “We look forward to working even more closely with Solid Power and adding the capability to produce solid-state cells based on Solid Power’s designs at our own pilot facility. We expect this agreement to accelerate the installation of our solid-state prototype line and our companies’ mutual goal of commercialising this promising cell technology".

As part of the JDA, BMW Group has agreed to pay Solid Power $20 million until June 2024, subject to specific benchmarks being met. The enlarged Joint Development Agreement involves the exchange of patented all-solid-state electrode and cell manufacturing know-how, but not a license to intellectual property linked to Solid Power's electrolyte material, which remains the company's core business. Solid Power aims to offer its electrolyte material to the BMW Group for prototype cell manufacture after the BMW Group installs its prototype production line.

David Jansen, Interim CEO, President and Chair of Solid Power added further, “I am encouraged by the progress our team continues to make toward achieving our company’s goals. Over the past several months, we began delivering 20 Ah cells to our partners, including BMW, for initial testing and commenced production of our initial EV cells. We look forward to bringing our electrolyte manufacturing facility online and commencing the formal automotive qualification process”.