Samsung SDI, BMW, and Solid Power collaborate on solid-state batteries.
Samsung SDI, BMW, and Solid Power have signed an agreement to develop solid-state batteries. Solid Power will supply the solid electrolyte, Samsung SDI will manufacture the cells, and BMW will conduct testing; the goal is to develop the batteries by 2027.
On October 31, Samsung SDI announced a tripartite cooperation agreement with BMW and Solid Power to develop and test solid-state batteries, aimed at equipping BMW's next-generation test vehicles. Under the agreement, Solid Power will supply the solid electrolyte, Samsung SDI will manufacture the battery cells with higher energy density and safety, and BMW will develop the modules and battery packs for real-world testing. Samsung SDI aims for mass production of solid-state batteries by 2027.
Tripartite alliances and their role in the value chain.
The collaboration between Samsung SDI (cell manufacturing), BMW (system integration), and Solid Power (supplying solid electrolyte materials) brings together three key links in the battery value chain. The immediate goal is to create test battery packs for operation in next-generation BMW vehicles to evaluate durability, safety, and performance under real-world conditions.
Solid-state batteries and their significance for electric vehicles.
Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries utilize solid materials, significantly reducing the risk of fire and explosion due to electrolyte leakage. This structure also reduces the need to seal each individual cell, contributing to optimized system weight. With high safety and the potential for greater energy density, solid-state batteries are considered a "game changer" for the next generation of batteries.
Cost barriers and production challenges
The biggest challenge currently is cost. Analysis shows that the production cost of solid-state batteries is 3–5 times higher than that of lithium-ion batteries using liquid electrolytes. Infrastructure requirements are also more expensive, estimated to be 10–20 times higher. Therefore, to date, no commercially available electric vehicles are truly equipped with solid-state batteries. The Samsung SDI – BMW – Solid Power alliance aims to combine technology and scale to bridge the cost gap and shorten the commercialization roadmap.
Progress of Samsung SDI and application plans.
Among the three major South Korean battery manufacturers, Samsung SDI is considered to have the fastest solid-state battery development rate. In 2023, the company built a pilot solid-state battery production line at the SDI Suwon Research Institute, began producing prototypes in late 2023, and is currently conducting trials at various businesses. Besides the electric vehicle sector, Samsung SDI plans to expand into markets requiring high energy density, such as robotics, and has begun negotiations with potential customers to prepare for mass production.
Statements from stakeholders
Go Joo-young, Vice President and Head of the ASB Commercialization Promotion Team at Samsung SDI, emphasized: “Battery technology capabilities directly drive electric vehicle innovation. We will continue to collaborate closely with global partners to lead in the commercialization of solid-state batteries.”
Martin Schuster, Head of Cell Battery at BMW Group, said: “With the involvement of Samsung SDI, we can further accelerate the development of next-generation battery cell technology. This global collaboration once again demonstrates BMW’s ultimate goal of providing the most advanced battery technology.”
John Van Scoter, CEO of Solid Power, stated: “We will strive to collaborate with automotive manufacturers and leading battery companies globally to commercialize solid-state battery technology.”
Market outlook
The outlook for the solid-state battery industry is positive. The global market size is projected to increase nearly sevenfold in five years, from $148 million this year to $963 million by 2030. This growth is driven by the demand for increased energy density and safety in electric vehicles, coupled with efforts to optimize costs through deeper collaboration among businesses across the value chain.
Key milestones and parameters
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Cooperation Agreement | Signed on October 31st between Samsung SDI, BMW, and Solid Power |
| Roles of the parties | Solid Power: provides solid electrolyte; Samsung SDI: manufactures cells; BMW: develops modules, battery packs, and conducts field testing. |
| Production costs | 3–5 times higher than liquid electrolyte lithium-ion batteries. |
| Infrastructure costs | 10–20 times longer than lithium-ion batteries. |
| Pilot production line | Built in 2023 at the SDI Suwon Research Institute |
| Sample product | Starting in late 2023, it is being tested at several businesses. |
| Mass production target | 2027 |
| Market size | $148 million (this year) → $963 million (2030) |
From a technical and market perspective, if cost barriers are overcome and manufacturing processes are perfected, solid-state batteries could bring significant advancements in energy density and safety for electric vehicles. The collaboration between Samsung SDI, BMW, and Solid Power lays the foundation to accelerate this process, moving the technology from the testing phase to practical deployment in the coming years.
