BMW Going With New Batteries For Its Formidable EV Plans

It’s the batteries, silly. We might repeat that rephrased knowledge time and again till everyone understands how important they’re to not solely our rEVolution however to the vitality transition normally. The factor is that in my many EV conversations, principally with skeptics and semi-enthusiasts, to place it mildly, I might make a fortune if I used to be given a dime each time folks ask me: what about hydrogen and gas cells? They by no means ask about lithium-ion batteries, and so they definitely don’t enterprise into discussions of NMC vs. LFP vs. different kinds of batteries. Effectively, we take note of real-world options and the way they evolve, and right here comes some massive information. BMW has simply confirmed it would use LFP battery cells quickly (and additionally it is engaged on solid-state battery and sodium-ion battery cells).

Common CleanTechnica readers could keep in mind some latest bulletins about LFP batteries from CATL, or quite a few stories on its use by Tesla or its benefits normally. At the moment, we now have simply learnt from our Polish pals reporting on WysokieNapiecie.pl that LFP batteries will likely be utilized in BMW fashions. As they heard it first-hand from Martin Schuster, Head of Battery Cell Growth at BMW, the choice to use LFP batteries has been finalized — LFP cells will likely be utilized in Neue Klasse autos scheduled to enter manufacturing in 2025. Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Administration of BMW AG, Manufacturing, added that new fashions utilizing this battery chemistry will even be developed. Earliest communication from the German big solely implied its technical readiness to make a transfer to LFP batteries. For the primary time, the corporate has confirmed the launching of LFP fashions as quickly as in 2025.

The frequent disadvantages of LFP batteries are well-known — decrease vitality density and poorer charging efficiency in decrease temperatures. Nonetheless, these issues have been constantly improved, as demonstrated by CATL for that matter, and their largest benefit will play a important function as a substitute — that’s the chemical composition itself. Neglect nickel and its hovering costs. Neglect relying on uncommon uncooked supplies out there in restricted places. Welcome iron and phosphate — low cost, ample, and out there globally. On this mild, BMW’s transfer will not be a lot sensible as it’s cheap. We want inexpensive EVs delivering on the promise of acceptable vary and quick charging. And one factor we’ve come to see time and time once more: if Tesla does it, everyone else will finally. Disagreeing with Elon Musk on most of his opinions in the present day, I nonetheless blindly comply with him within the EV area, and most main automakers do, too — even those that by no means admit that.

Coming again to BMW, it’s engaged on way more than simply LFP batteries. A number of the Neue Klasse lineup — totally electrical BMW fashions constructed on the corporate’s new platform — will even be given new NMC options. The prismatic cells will likely be changed with cylindrical cells (suppose: massive Duracells) in two sizes: 4695 (46 mm in diameter and 95 mm in top) utilized in sedans and coupe fashions and 46120 (46 mm in diameter and 120 mm in top) utilized in SUVs (which all of us agree needs to be banned or at the very least made ridiculously costly). Improved chemistry, new form, and the way the cells are packed will imply increased vitality density by 20%, longer vary by 30%, and sooner charging by 30%, whereas lowering the carbon footprint of the manufacturing course of by 60% when in comparison with the present technology. “We additionally managed to cut back the manufacturing price of the generation-six battery by 40% in comparison with the present gen-5 battery,” Milan Nedeljković provides when speaking to WysokieNapiecie.pl reporters.

New technology with solid-state electrolyte?

One other step deliberate by BMW after 2025 and following gen-6 batteries is a solid-state electrolyte battery (ASSB) estimated to have 30% extra vitality density in comparison with gen 6. We may even see a check automotive with a solid-state battery in two years. Nonetheless, we shouldn’t count on it to be mass produced sooner than the late 2020s or early 2030s.

As defined by Schuster and Nedeljković, the problem of ASSB will not be the chemistry however the manufacturing course of itself. They declare these manufacturing obstacles are the explanation we might want to wait just a little longer earlier than we see them mass produced. Solely after these obstacles are overcome will producers begin engaged on optimizing their charging efficiency and lifecycle. It’s value noting that ASSB improvement occupies the most important corridor within the newly opened Cell Manufacturing Competence Heart (CMCC) in Parsdorf. The path and goal have been set, and we may be certain the funding will return.

On prime of all of that, BMW executives additionally shared they’re engaged on sodium-ion batteries, that are certainly not an amazing answer when it comes to sustainability, but carry out poorly when it comes to vitality density. Whereas they’re a wanted answer in China even in the present day, the place customers sacrifice longer vary for the good thing about a lower cost, there may be nonetheless loads to be improved to implement the battery in Europe.

I help all automotive producers of their EV efforts, and batteries are on the entrance line of the transition. I believe it’s additionally time we stopped utilizing the phrase rEVolution, which I cherished a lot, as the method is not attribute of a sudden change however moderately a course of we now have all accepted to be a part of.