BMW, Nissan, and Others Competing to Achieve 600-Mile EV Range | Carscoops

      Solid-state batteries are set to transform the EV sector, with major manufacturers currently testing new prototypes.

      Solid-state batteries could enable electric vehicles to achieve driving ranges exceeding 600 miles with smaller and lighter cells.

      Nissan and Toyota aim to introduce solid-state batteries commercially within the next two years.

      Nevertheless, there are challenges to overcome, including delays in timelines and technological obstacles for mass production.

      Solid-state batteries have long been touted as the future for electric vehicles, with both enthusiasts and experts predicting they would make existing battery technologies like LFP and NMC nearly obsolete by now. However, we are still awaiting the much-anticipated breakthrough.

      Despite this, the largest automotive manufacturers are not ready to abandon solid-state technology. Companies such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis continue to invest in this technology, attracted by the potential for electric vehicles that can cover over 1,000 km (621 miles) on a single charge.

      Recently, BMW began testing a modified i7 prototype in Munich, equipped with large-format solid-state cells from the US company Solid Power. These cells utilize sulfide-based electrolytes and are intended for future Neue Klasse models from the brand. However, mass production of these vehicles is not expected to commence until the 2030s.

      Mercedes-Benz, a competitor in the market, is also developing solid-state electric vehicles. It initiated real-world testing of a retrofitted EQS in February, using a battery developed with Factorial Energy, a partner for several years.

      According to Auto News, this new battery will provide 25% more energy than current models while being lighter and more compact. This enhancement is anticipated to influence the design of future Mercedes vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries, as stated by Uwe Keller, the company’s head of battery development.

      “[These benefits] will not only enhance vehicle range but also influence vehicle design, including architecture,” he noted. “Solid-state cells are also less likely to overheat.”

      Stellantis is also pursuing the integration of solid-state batteries into its offerings. Similar to Mercedes, it is collaborating with Factorial Energy and plans to initiate testing in 2026. Anne Laliron, the senior vice president of tech research at Stellantis, described solid-state technology as "the North Star in battery chemistry," allowing manufacturers to choose between “greater range or fewer materials – both of which can lower costs and reduce carbon footprints."

      While the timeline for Stellantis to bring this technology to market remains uncertain, both Toyota and Nissan are optimistic about commercializing solid-state batteries soon. Toyota plans to begin production in 2027, while Nissan aims for a solid-state battery launch by 2028. However, given Nissan's current challenges, there is a likelihood that this target date may be postponed.