Battery is the heart of the v oblectric car. Any huge automaker looking to become No. 1 on electric car front, first and foremost, should pay attention to the battery quality. So let’s look at the batteries used in BMW i concept models.
Although the market of electric and hybrid cars is still new and small, the global demand is on the rise. According to EV Obsession, through the 1st 6 months of 2016, 91,300 plug-in electric and hybrid cars were sold in Europe. According InsideEVs, in the first quarter of 2016, BMW sold 5,128 i3 and i8 models worldwide.
It looks like urban people get used to the idea of electric cars, but they expect a superior driving experience. They want to pay for cars using powerful, sustainable and lightweight batteries with high energy density and functioning at low/high temperatures.
On the battery market, one of the leading providers of Lithium Ion Batteries are Panasonic Corporation and Samsung SDI. One of the well-known established tandems are Tesla and Panasonic, BMW and Samsung.
By the way, Samsung SDI was rumored to be on talks with Tesla to supply batteries for Tesla Model 3 [source Bloomberg]. Though later Tesla CEO Elon Musk debunked the rumor, twittering “Would like to clarify that Tesla is working exclusively with Panasonic for Model 3 cells. News articles claiming otherwise are incorrect”, we guess there is no smoke without fire 😉 Samsung battery making is on dramatic rise. South Korean giant is going to build a battery-cell factory, expected to start production in 2018. Hence, time will show which battery maker will become the major force on EV, HEV and PHEV battery market.
Samsung SDI EV, HEV, PHEV Battery Supplier
Samsung SDI is a division of South Korean Samsung conglomerate and manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for use in hybrid and electric cars. Samsung SDI says that energy changes the world. They are dedicated to providing eco-friendly battery solutions and energy management to support “green” initiative. Samsung SDI started to build electric car batteries since 2000, now being the battery provider for over 30 vehicle electrification projects.
BMW Group is collaborating with Samsung SDI since 2009. Their stable partnership results in that Samsung batteries power best BMW i concept models, award-winning i3 and i8.
The company has a 15-year experience of engineering and manufacturing lithium-ion auto battery. On EV battery market, Samsung’s rivals are Panasonic and LG Chem.
There are prismatic, cylindrical and polymer battery cells. Samsung makes prismatic cells of compact design convenient for different configurations and compatible with both PHEV and EV. The lithium is the lightest element that allows for batteries have higher energy density per unit mass than nickel- or lead-based chemistries. To deliver battery with long-term performance and lifespan, Samsung’s battery cells are checked to meet multiple production criteria. Samsung SDI has set zero-defect track record and produces built-in safety devices in its battery. Samsung SDI’s battery aluminium housing and laser welding make them impervious to humidity, while keeping sufficient quantity of electrolyte inside ensuring long-term performance. The high-voltage battery of the BMW i8 carries a warranty for a period of 8 years or a distance of 100,000 km.
BMW’s choice of using electric car battery by Samsung is also based on battery cells suitability for eco-friendly production.
What They Say At BMW and Samsung
Dr. Klaus Draeger, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network: “Our partnership with Samsung SDI is a good example of successful Korean-German cooperation on innovative technologies. The battery is a key component in every electric vehicle – since it basically determines the range and performance capabilities of the car. In Samsung SDI, we have chosen a supplier that offers us the best-available technology with future-oriented Korean battery expertise.” [source press.bmwgroup.com]
Sang-Jin Park, CEO of Samsung SDI: “I am very proud that Samsung SDI supports the success of the BMW i3 and i8. The decision taken in 2009 to choose lithium-ion battery cells from Samsung SDI for the BMW i models was the right one for both companies. Additional BMW vehicles will also be equipped with Samsung SDI’s leading lithium-ion technology. This MoU with the BMW Group demonstrates the trust in Samsung SDI’s future technology and efficient mass production capabilities. Both companies are confident that this extended partnership will secure their leadership in future technologies.” [source press.bmwgroup.com]
Our guess is that over the next couple of decades battery tech market will have dramatic rise and Samsung SDI is on its way to become a major player. Do you have extra info on bmw i + samsung batteries?
Those of you with a Tech background looking for more tech info on BMW EVs + Samsung Batteries, we recommend taking a look at CleanTechnica in-depth post on the topic.