New battery will give BMW IX 100 miles range

When BMW launched the IX, it was like a technology showcase and flagship model. And now they are taking the next step in development and the German manufacturer has signed an agreement with American Our Next Energy. A company that BMW has already invested in before.

It is primarily a matter of getting a test bench and in the prototype version, IX must be able to cover a full 965 km on one charge. The technology company has previously shown that their so-called Gemini batteries can deliver, not least when they changed the battery pack in a Tesla Model S – which then had a range of 121 miles.

The very technology in the Gemini batteries that allows them to deliver long range is that they consist of two parts. A basic part with cells of LFP type (lithium iron phosphate) and a more complex part that acts as a range extender. There, the cathode will consist of a high proportion of manganese.

20 percent less lithium

In addition to providing longer range electric cars, Gemini technology reduces material requirements. According to their own statements, their batteries require 20 percent less lithium and 60 percent less graphene while “nickel and cobalt are minimized”.

– As electric cars become more common, drivers learn that real conditions can significantly affect battery performance. Common situations such as lying on the highway, winter temperatures, driving in the mountains, pulling – or a combination of the four are a challenge for electric cars, says Mujeeb Iljas, founder and CEO of One i ett statement.

– We plan to double the energy in the batteries, in this way electric cars can easily handle long journeys under real conditions.

One of the details in the technology is that Our Next Enegy believes that it can be offered at prices that are on a par with today’s conventional lithium-ion batteries. However, the more extreme ones, the ones that can provide ranges of around 100 miles and over, will probably remain expensive.