BMW – A conversation about batteries: Kurt Vandeputte and Peter Lamp talk about battery trends – and how they see the future of batteries for individual mobility.
Q: Mr. Lamp, we are here at the BCCC – near the Research and Innovation Center (FIZ). Everything here looks very much like a high-tech research facility. Where does the BMW Group currently stand when it comes to battery technology?
I think we are very well positioned. As you said, we are here in our BCCC – near the FIZ – and have just opened our Cell Manufacturing Competence Center (CMCC) in Parsdorf. Thanks to the combination of BCCC, which deals with the research and development of cell technology, and CMCC, which is responsible for understanding and establishing the industrialization of cell production, and our experts from all over the world employed there, we are at On par with the best battery cell manufacturers in the world. When I remember our beginnings in 2008 with our first prototype of the battery-electric MINI Cooper, we have come a long way.
…and why do you think you managed to achieve this level of expertise?
I am firmly convinced that we found the right strategy for BMW very early on. And this strategy is relatively simple: We have expanded our own expertise in the two critical areas of battery cell technology and large-scale production as quickly and consistently as possible. This allows BMW to bring the best batteries to its electrified vehicles.
Q: Mr. Vandeputte, after more than 25 years at Umicore, you have just joined the BMW Group. How do you see BMW’s battery strategy?
During my time at Umicore, we greatly appreciated the collaboration with BMW in the field of battery technology due to the clear strategy focused on a deep understanding and mastery of cell technology and cell production. Because that is really the core of the battery business in the automotive sector.
Considering the challenges manufacturers face today due to changing industry – and taking into account BMW’s promise to deliver the ultimate driving machine to its customers – I believe BMW’s approach is very compelling and clear.
Q: And how does it feel to switch from a “material tech company” to a German premium car manufacturer?
It feels really good and gives me energy. It’s an honor to be part of this legendary BMW family, and the very friendly atmosphere that exists here certainly contributes to that. With regard to the upcoming projects, the goals are both exciting and challenging. Whether our focus is on battery performance, cost, lowest environmental impact, or a combination of these factors, we need to find an optimal interaction of all the materials in the cell, which brings us back to the active materials that I know well. At Umicore I worked in a very international, technology-oriented environment – and that also applies to my new role here at BMW.
Q: Mr. Lamp, when we talk about projects and challenges: What next big step can customers expect from the electrified BMW drive systems?
A very important step will be taken in 2025 with our first models of the NEW CLASS. This will be the starting point for our so-called Gen6 eDrive technology. At the heart of this technology will be our new round cell: 20 percent more volumetric energy density, 30 percent faster charging, 30 percent more range compared to the corresponding model with Gen5 technology.
Q: But moving from a prismatic cell in the fifth generation to a round cell in the sixth generation is a significant step: how did this decision come about? At the beginning of the process we really started with a blank sheet of paper and were open to all cell formats and sizes. But given the ambitious performance and safety goals, we soon came to the conclusion that the round cell was the best format for our next generation. It also best fits our integration approach for the NEW CLASS: “Cell-to-pack” and “Pack-to-open-body”.
Q: Mr. Vandeputte, ASSB is often viewed as “ The Next Big Thing .” Where is BMW? What potential does the technology have? I think we are on a very good path. With our partner Solid Power, we are currently setting up a new process development line in our CMCC in Parsdorf. Along this line, we will work – in parallel with our partner in the USA – on the next steps to bring this advanced battery technology into the vehicle. The line will go into operation in the second quarter of 2024. And the technology has potential: higher energy densities with safety that is at least as high as today. Realistically speaking, however, we will need a few more years until the technology is mature and ready for industrialization – this will probably not be the case until the end of the decade.
Q: Looking at the current landscape of battery technologies, new trends or even innovations are very frequently reported in the media . How do you stay up to date with all these developments?
KV: That is actually a very good point – and at the same time something that I have observed at BMW for years: the close relationship of the BMW battery team to the start-up scene and to the universities – that is, in my opinion , a very big advantage and an absolute basic requirement if you want to be and remain a technology leader.
PL: I agree, and I would like to add something: I think this is a very big advantage in two ways. Firstly, this ensures that BMW is up to date with all new trends, findings and developments. And secondly, it helps us find the best talent in the industry – this is one of many reasons why we are very optimistic about BMW battery cell technology in the next few years.
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BMW – A conversation about batteries: Kurt Vandeputte and Peter Lamp talk about battery trends – and how they see the future of batteries for individual mobility. source
