Meghana KandraWhile most companies shifting towards EVs are using lithium-ion batteries. Large corporations are exploring other options. Ford and BMW are going to lead a funding round of $130 Million on a solid-state battery start-up.
Image credits- Green Car Congress
Furthermore, this involves different companies with partnerships and alliances.
The Series B investment round
The companies are investing in Solid Power, a solid-state battery start-up that also includes Volta Energy Technologies. The Series B funding allows Solid Power to explore the options of odd in-house manufacturing capabilities. Also enabling it to progress towards supplying batteries to EVs in the future.
Today, Solid Power announced a $130 million Series B investment round led by @BMW, @Ford and @VoltaLink. Ford and BMW have also expanded partnerships w/ Solid Power to secure all solid-state batteries for future EVs. pic.twitter.com/VNQn2ZupjD
— Solid Power (@SolidPowerInc) May 3, 2021
Chief executive and Co-founder of Solid Power, Doug Campbell said in an interview,
” The partnerships and the capital that comes along with it are really going to put us on a good footing to execute on our road map, which simply speaking is qualifying this technology for vehicles in the not-too-distant future.”
This is not the first time a company has been working on a solid-state battery. Dyson claimed in 2018 that they will build EVs with solid-state batteries. However, by 2020 they will use a traditional battery for their first electric SUV with a 600-mile range.
How is the Solid-state battery different?
Tesla’s accidents in the past have always caused concerns on the safety factor. The car crash in Houston, Texas in April needed 32 gallons of water.
On the other hand, a solid-state battery uses a solid form of electrolyte. Unlike lithium battlers which use liquid or gel forms of electrolyte and are highly flammable.
Image credits- CNET
Furthermore, the solid-state battery involves high-capacity energy storage potential. As said by the company, Solid Power, the solid battery they are making offers high energy density and battery safety. As said by them, their battery has the capacity to deliver 50% more energy density than a traditional battery.
On the contrary, this battery has more problems than seen. It is costlier and there is no guarantee yet if this can be used in real-life technology.
Previous attempts different from present
The earlier attempts have failed, but at that time there was a transition process going on. Moreover, Tesla which is ahead of its times would have worked on the technology if they saw some future scope. But more companies are interested in technology.
The Series A funding included $26 million in 2018. Also, Hyundai Motor and Samsung are also involved in the funding rounds.
As said by Ford’s chief, Hau Thai-Tang, ” We’ve been working with more than a dozen different start-ups in this space and we’ve been most impressed with the progress that Solid Power has made.”
Dyson’s attempt in 2018 is much different. As more companies are showing interest in the technology. Also, the push towards shifting to electric vehicles is more than it has been in the past.
By the end of this year, BMW is working towards having five fully electric models. Furthermore, by 2023, they plan to have fully electric vehicles for all the markets in all countries.
Additionally, Toyota too says this technology is a “Game Changer”.