🔋 Solid Power: The Future of Solid-State Batteries 100X or Die
The EV era is here—but battery technology is still anchored in conventional lithium-ion cells.
Solid Power (NASDAQ: SLDP) aims to break that limit with its cutting-edge solid-state battery (SSB) technology. And it’s not going it alone—BMW and SK On are on board as strategic partners.
⚙️ What Does Solid Power Do?
Solid Power develops solid-state batteries that replace flammable liquid electrolytes with solid materials. The benefits are far-reaching, offering improvements in energy density, safety, and lifecycle.
✅ Advantages of Solid-State Batteries:
1) Higher energy density – More driving range in the same space
The company has moved beyond lab prototypes. It is now producing pilot-scale cells and delivering them to OEMs for real-world validation.
🧩 BMW: Not Just a Customer, but a Collaborator
BMW isn't just investing—it’s actively testing Solid Power’s battery cells and preparing to integrate them into vehicles.
1) 2022: Delivered 20Ah solid-state cells to BMWThis is more than a partnership—it’s a sign of technical trust and real commercialization progress.
⚡ SK On: Bringing Manufacturing Muscle
In October 2023, Solid Power signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with SK On, the battery arm of SK Group.
Key Points:
1) SK On obtained access to Solid Power’s sulfide-based solid electrolyte technologySK On brings scalable production capabilities, allowing Solid Power to focus on IP and materials while bypassing the risks of large-scale battery manufacturing.
💰 Solid Power’s Revenue Model Explained
Solid Power is not in the business of making batteries at scale. Instead, it’s building a high-margin, IP-driven business model focused on licensing and materials.
1. 📄 Licensing Revenue
Solid Power licenses its cell designs and production processes to partners like BMW, Ford, and SK On in exchange for royalty payments.
1) Capital-light, high-margin structure2. 🧪 Solid Electrolyte Sales
Solid Power plans to produce and sell its proprietary sulfide-based solid electrolyte, a critical component of SSBs.
1) Recurrent, high-margin material sales3. 🤝 R&D and Joint Development Payments
To date, much of Solid Power’s revenue has come from joint development agreements that include upfront payments or co-funding from OEMs.
1) Non-recurring, but supports operations and validation🎯 Summary: Capital-Light Tech with Global Reach
Rather than compete in manufacturing, Solid Power leverages its core technology and lets partners do the heavy lifting.
The result? A capital-efficient model that prioritizes IP monetization and high-margin material sales.
With BMW testing the tech, SK On providing scale, and Solid Power supplying the brains, the partnership creates a robust path toward commercial solid-state batteries.
If it works, Solid Power could be the ARM of the EV battery world.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Solid Power has already:
1) Delivered working battery cellsThe tech is ready. The path is clear. The only question is execution.
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