<
https://cleantechnica.com/2023/11/01/bmw-going-with-new-batteries-for-its-ambitious-ev-plans/>
"It’s the batteries, stupid. We could repeat that rephrased wisdom again and
again until everybody understands how critical they are to not only our
rEVolution but to the energy transition in general. The thing is that in my
many EV conversations, mostly with skeptics and semi-enthusiasts, to put it
mildly, I could make a fortune if I was given a dime every time people ask me:
what about hydrogen and fuel cells? They never ask about lithium-ion
batteries, and they certainly don’t venture into discussions of NMC vs. LFP vs.
other types of batteries. Well, we pay attention to real-world solutions and
how they evolve, and here comes some big news. BMW has just confirmed it will
use LFP battery cells soon (and it is also working on solid-state battery and
sodium-ion battery cells).
Regular
CleanTechnica readers may remember some recent announcements about
LFP batteries from CATL, or numerous reports on its use by Tesla or its
advantages in general. Today, we have just learnt from our Polish friends
reporting on
WysokieNapiecie.pl that LFP batteries will be used in BMW
models. As they heard it first-hand from Martin Schuster, Head of Battery Cell
Development at BMW, the discussion whether to apply LFP batteries has been
finalized. Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG,
Production, confirmed LFP cells will be used in Neue Klasse vehicles scheduled
to enter production in 2025 and added that new models using this battery
chemistry will also be developed. Earliest communication from the German giant
only implied its technical readiness to make a move to LFP batteries. For the
first time, the company has confirmed the launching of LFP models as soon as in
2025.
The common disadvantages of LFP batteries are well known — lower energy density
and poorer charging performance in lower temperatures. However, these matters
have been continuously improved, as demonstrated by CATL for that matter, and
their biggest advantage will play a critical role instead — that is the
chemical composition itself. Forget nickel and its soaring prices. Forget
depending on rare raw materials available in limited locations. Welcome iron
and phosphate — cheap, abundant, and available globally. In this light, BMW’s
move is not so much smart as it is reasonable. We need affordable EVs
delivering on the promise of acceptable range and fast charging. And one thing
we’ve come to see time and time again: if Tesla does it, everybody else will
eventually. Disagreeing with Elon Musk on most of his opinions today, I still
blindly follow him in the EV domain, and most major automakers do, too — even
the ones that never admit that.
Coming back to BMW, it is working on much more than just LFP batteries. Some of
the Neue Klasse lineup — fully electric BMW models built on the company’s new
platform — will also be given new NMC solutions. The prismatic cells will be
replaced with cylindrical cells (think: big Duracells) in two sizes: 4695 (46
mm in diameter and 95 mm in height) used in sedans and coupe models and 46120
(46 mm in diameter and 120 mm in height) used in SUVs (which we all agree
should be banned or at least made ridiculously expensive). Improved chemistry,
new shape, and how the cells are packed will mean higher energy density by 20%,
longer range by 30%, and faster charging by 30%, while reducing the carbon
footprint of the production process by 60% when compared to the current
generation. “We also managed to reduce the production cost of the
generation-six battery by 40% compared to the current gen-5 battery,” Milan
Nedeljković adds when talking to
WysokieNapiecie.pl reporters."
Via
Future Crunch:
<
https://futurecrunch.com/good-news-rail-education-ethiopia-conservation-congo/>
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
