i4 Gran Coupe

Make
BMW
Segment
Sedan

Solid-state batteries have been touted as the way forward for quite some time, and many automakers have backed the idea, funding research to bring them closer to implementing the technology. BMW even expects to debut the technology before 2030.

But, according to the extreme fast charge battery specialists, StoreDot, solid-state batteries are still a decade away from mass production. Instead, the company has said the world's car companies should look at alternatives in the interim, such as semi-solid batteries.

Solid-state batteries utilize solid electrodes in lieu of polymer gel or liquid electrolytes, as found in lithium polymer or lithium-ion batteries.

"We believe a more practical step is the introduction of semi-solid-state batteries which we are targeting for mass production by 2028. These will be advanced, safe, high-performing cells that can achieve 100 miles of charge in just three minutes. They have the additional benefit of requiring a simpler and less challenging manufacturing process than all-solid-state technologies," explains StoreDot CEO, Dr. Doron Myersdorf.

StoreDot is quite a big name in the industry and has even attracted investment from Polestar. In the coming years, the Israeli firm hopes to introduce batteries that can gain 99 miles of range in just five minutes of charging time.

"It's crucial that [we] give global automotive manufacturers a realistic and hype-free roadmap for the introduction of extreme fast-charging battery technologies. Right now, despite some of the bullish claims by our rivals, all-solid-state batteries are still at least 10 years away," added Myersdorf.

So, if StoreDot is to be believed, solid-state batteries are some time away. They're worth the wait, though, as they would bring untold benefits to motorists in the electric era. Not only is the technology lighter (improving performance), but it increases travel range and the risk of a fire is also reduced.

While BMW is convinced it will introduce the technology before the end of the decade, it seems StoreDot has other thoughts. Eager BMW i4 and other EV drivers will just have to make do with their current range figures and charging habits for the time being.

Honda has also expressed interest in solid-state batteries, and the automaker believes the technology will introduce more affordable electric vehicles to the market. "We don't believe that the current lithium-ion technology is the long-term solution," said American Honda's Dave Gardner, earlier this year.

Gardner believes the tech will enable automakers to offer entry-level EVs priced around the same point as a "nice [gas-powered] vehicle."