Samsung joins Solid Power, BMW quest for battery-powered car

LOUISVILLE — Korean battery maker Samsung SDI is collaborating with Louisville-based Solid Power Inc. (Nasdaq: SLDP) and German automotive giant BMW to develop and test a vehicle powered by all-solid-state battery technology.

Solid Power and BMW of North America LLC, which have shared a joint development agreement since 2017, have worked together on ASSB-driven vehicles for the past three years or so. 

“We are excited to partner with Samsung SDI and BMW to progress the development of all-solid-state batteries,” Solid Power CEO John Van Scoter said in a prepared statement. “Our solid electrolyte technology is designed for stability and conductivity, and by working closely with global leaders in automotive and battery innovation, we strive to bring ASSB technology closer to widespread adoption.”

Samsung’s entry into the collaboration “marks a key step towards commercialization of ASSB technology, bringing together the complementary expertise of three industry leaders. Under this arrangement, Solid Power will provide sulfide-based solid electrolyte to Samsung SDI, which Samsung SDI will integrate into separator and/or catholyte and use to build cells, in each case subject to achievement of technical requirements,” the partners said. “These cells will be evaluated based on performance parameters and requirements to be agreed between Samsung SDI and BMW. Ultimately, Solid Power, Samsung SDI, and BMW aim to develop and supply ASSB cells for integration into a demonstration vehicle.”

The batteries allow EVs to travel longer ranges without being weighed down by heavier power sources “by replacing liquid electrolytes with solid materials,” according to Solid Power.

Solid Power and BMW extended their joint development agreement in summer 2024 after the automaker led $130 million in a Series B investment round for the Louisville firm the previous year.

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