Automakers rely on American start-ups for solid-state batteries

Solid-state batteries are not yet in use or ready for series production. BMW and VW have now invested millions in start-ups that are researching this. However, the German start-up scene has been left empty-handed.

German car manufacturers are continuing to invest in new technologies: In addition to Ford and Volta Energy Technologies, the BMW Group is also participating in a current financing round for Solid Power, a manufacturer of solid-state batteries for electric vehicles. A total of 130 million US dollars was raised in the start-up's Series B funding.

Ford and BMW want to use the company's solid-state batteries for their electric vehicles in the future and use the money to enable production. Once this is complete, BMW also wants to install the batteries in its cars.

Volkswagen has also recently invested in a start-up that is working on a breakthrough in the new storage technology. VW invested just under 100 million US dollars in the Californian start-up Quantumscape at the beginning of April. Solid-state batteries have the potential to replace the conventional lithium-ion technology, as they are more durable, among other things.