More range, less fire.
Solid Power (SP) is a US-based developer of next-generation solid-state EV batteries. It’s currently partnered with BMW and Ford and recently announced that it has completed the installation of its pilot production line.
The EV cell pilot line will produce solid-state batteries for internal testing before the cells are delivered to its partners for automotive qualification testing. The automotive testing is currently planned for the end of the year.
“Solid Power is encouraged by taking this next step on its automotive qualification roadmap,” said Doug Campbell, CEO of Solid Power. “The installation of this EV cell pilot line will allow us to produce EV-scale cells suitable for initiating the formal automotive qualification process. Over the coming quarters, we will work to bring the EV cell pilot line up to its full operational capability and look forward to delivering EV-scale all-solid-state cells to our partners later this year.”
The pilot cell line can produce up to 300 cells per week, which works out to roughly 15,000 per year. The majority of these cells will go to the automotive sector.
“With the EV cell pilot line now installed, our next big challenge is commencing production at scale and building cells that meet the requirements necessary for us to enter into automotive qualification later this year,” said Derek Johnson, chief operating officer at Solid Power.
According to an interview with Reuters, Solid Power does not want to be a mass producer. “Long term, we do not endeavor to be a cell producer,” said Campbell. Instead, it’s currently shopping around for a partner. According to Campbell, SK Innovation is a possibility.
SK Innovation already has an existing partnership with Ford, which is a nice tie-in. It also has the capacity to take the fight to the big players like Toyota, Panasonic, Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and CATL. “We’re in a space among a lot of very prominent and credible players,” said Campbell.
There are many upsides to solid-state batteries. They have the potential to hold more energy, which solves the range problem. These batteries also cost less to produce, which can significantly reduce the cost of the average EV. The current cheapest EV is the Chevrolet Bolt, and only because Chevy is selling it at a massive discount. Speaking of the Bolt, solid-state batteries significantly reduce the risk of catching fire.
Obviously, there are no claimed ranges at the moment, but the BMW i7 and i4 both need an increase in range to be considered competitive against rivals like the Lucid Air. Not to mention the Mustang Mach-E’s range compared to the likes of the class-leading Tesla Model Y.
Automotive testing will undoubtedly deliver some exciting results for the EV segment.
