BMW has revealed the iX5 pure-electric SUV with a record-breaking 147.8 kWh battery and a projected range exceeding 800 kilometers. To preserve production flexibility during the industry's EV transition, BMW kept the existing CLAR platform rather than moving to a next-generation EV architecture. The decision results in a vehicle weighing approximately 3,000 kg, posing significant engineering challenges for handling and dynamics.
Researchers developed a solid polymer electrolyte using an in-situ polymerization process to address the tradeoff between ionic conductivity and high-voltage stability. The reported material enables lithium-metal batteries to operate from -40°C to 55°C and maintain stable cycling at 4.5V. The work suggests automotive potential, though commercial readiness, long-term durability, cost, and scale-up details were not established in the provided source.