BMW: BMW, Solid Power and Samsung SDI have formalized a joint validation and development effort to accelerate all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). The deal pairs a legacy automaker with a U.S. solid-electrolyte developer and a major Korean cell manufacturer- a combination that could solve practical engineering, scale and supply-chain hurdles faster than any single firm alone. Below is an in-depth, reader-friendly explainer of what this alliance is, why it matters, and how the players complement one another.
Table of Contents
BMW: What are solid-state batteries
Most EV batteries today use lithium-ion cells with a liquid electrolyte. Solid-state batteries replace that liquid with a solid electrolyte — think of it as switching from juice to a solid conductor. That change promises three big improvements:
- Higher energy density — more range for the same weight/volume.
- Better safety — solid electrolytes are less flammable than liquid ones, lowering fire risk.
- Faster charging and longer life — potential improvements in cycle life and charge rates, depending on chemistry and engineering.
What the alliance is – facts, in plain terms
- Who: BMW Group (automaker), Solid Power (U.S. developer of solid electrolytes and cell designs), and Samsung SDI (global battery cell manufacturer).
- What: A joint validation and development agreement to advance ASSB cells, to demonstrate technology in vehicles and build global value chains across materials, cells and automobiles. The collaboration expands previous two-way work between BMW and Solid Power by adding Samsung SDI’s manufacturing expertise.
- When: Announced late Oct–early Nov 2025 (press releases and industry coverage around Oct 30–Nov 6, 2025).
How the three partners complement one another
| Partner | Core strength | What they bring to the alliance |
|---|---|---|
| BMW | Vehicle integration, battery systems, testing & OEM know-how | Vehicle validation, system integration standards, mass-market requirements, test vehicles (BMW has already tested Solid Power large-format cells in an i7). |
| Solid Power | Solid electrolyte materials and cell designs (AS S B developer) | Proprietary solid electrolyte chemistry and cell engineering; earlier pilot cells and R&D roadmaps. |
| Samsung SDI | Large-scale manufacturing experience, process engineering | Ability to scale cell manufacturing, supply-chain relationships, process transfer & optimization for mass production. |
BMW, Samsung SDI & Solid Power
| Topic | Key point |
|---|---|
| Parties | BMW Group, Solid Power (US), Samsung SDI (Korea). |
| Type of collaboration | Joint evaluation/validation, technology transfer, vehicle testing. |
| Near-term aim | Validate all-solid-state cells in demo vehicles and develop value chain. |
| Why it matters | Combines OEM integration, proprietary cell tech, and manufacturing scale. |
| Main hurdles | Manufacturing yield, cost, durability, materials supply. |
| Watchpoints | Pilot production, BMW vehicle test data, Samsung SDI scale plans, supply deals. |
Conclusion
This Power alliance is one of the most strategically sensible moves we’ve seen in the ASSB landscape: it pairs specialised chemistry with real vehicle testing and industrial production capability. That combination increases the likelihood that solid-state cells will move from promising demos to validated vehicle systems — and eventually scale.
Bhakti Rawat is a Founder & Writer of InsureMyCar360.com. This site Provides You with Information Related To the Best Auto Insurance Updates & comparisons. 🔗