BMW iX Reaches 608 Mile Range with Next Energy’s ‘Gemini’ Battery

BMW Excited to Continue Working with Michigan Startup

ONE, a Michigan-based energy stocking enterprise, proclaimed the success of its Gemini dual-chemical fuel cell under testing within a BMW iX vehicle. This test run yielded incredible results; over 600 miles were reached from one charge!

A collaborative initiative with BMW Group was declared in mid-2022, with a purpose of reaching 600 mile range on ONE’s battery pack – which may be up to two times beyond the output of the BMW iX.

In accordance with ONE, the result was an impressive 608.1 miles (978 km) after undergoing the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) examination.

The company has stated that the Gemini battery boasts a volumetric energy density of 450 Wh/l on a system level (pack). What’s more, it can offer a remarkable 185+ kilowatt-hours of energy content in the same amount of space usually allotted to passenger EV packs.

“Electric vehicles will only become widely adopted when they offer a range which allows people to feel confident in using them as their sole vehicle,” commented Mujeeb Ijaz, the CEO and founder of ONE. “The Gemini battery has demonstrated its capability to double the range of EVs, thus eliminating the biggest hurdle towards electrification.”

Jürgen Hildinger, Head of High Voltage Storage for the BMW Group New Technologies, was left amazed by the result of over 600 miles. He expressed his enthusiasm, saying “We enjoy working with the team at ONE and look forward to taking the next steps together,” which implies that Gemini batteries could be commercialized in the near future.

one high-energy lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), and one higher-power nickel manganese cobalt (NMC).The Our Next Energy’s (ONE) Gemini dual-chemistry battery setup consists of two diverse kinds of batteries: a high-energy cell composed of lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), and a higher-output nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cell.

To bring the dual-chemistry power source to fruition, ONE was required to fashion a special high-performance DC-to-DC converter, that is able to regulate the two types of battery chemistries.

Here are some specifications of the ONE Gemini battery: Its capacity is 20000 mAh with a charging speed of 18W, having compatibility with both USB type-C and QC3.0. It features pass-through charging, allowing for simultaneous usage and recharging without any issue. It also has multiple protection circuits, such as over-current, over-voltage, short-circuits, and temperature protection for optimum safety and security of your device. Additionally, the battery pack has LED indicators, displaying its charging level status and balance.

It is quite evident that the number of anode-free battery cells in a battery pack is practically twofold than that of the LFP ones. Furthermore, due to their capacity to store greater amounts of energy in a same volume, they can give nearly three-fourth of the range.

It is reported that the Gemini battery pack is an EV with one of the greatest ranges that is able to fit into approximately 300-400 litres of space commonly found in cars.

It is believed that high-capacity, anode-free batteries will not come close to the lifespan (number of recharge cycles) and power density of LFP battery cells. This is why they are primarily used to provide steady power without surges during highway driving.

internal and externalThe notion of the image provokingly portrays the strain on both external and interior batteries.

As outlined by ONE, the integration of a double-chemistry battery could limit the deplete of crucial battery materials (as compared to the customary alternatives offering an equivalent energy capacity, it is anticipated).

The firm declared that the bundle could include 20% fewer lithium particles, 60% less graphite material, 75% reduced cobalt, and 100% absence of cobalt.

Following a triumphant display of the Gemini battery in a BMW, the following stage will be perfecting the system with the intention of putting it into regular production.

The works will include “improving the efficiency of the DC-to-DC converter, developing enhanced control algorithms to maximize the use of the range extender cells, and running additional battery validation and cell development.”

The BMW Group’s investment arm, BMW i Ventures, has likewise gotten on board with ONE. Consequently, should they deem this an appropriate option, the automaker might someday utilize the Gemini technology.

It’s essential to be aware that podium in 2022, ONE had a very earliest showcase car–a Tesla Model S–which was able to produce a span of 752 miles exploited an 103.9-kWh battery power.

Recently, ONE unveiled that they have initiated a trial fabrication of domestically made lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells at their factory in Van Buren Township, Michigan, that is surmised to produce up to 20 gigawatt-hours of batteries each year after it’s full implementation.

Shipment of products generated on the premises—to initially authenticate endurance and competence—will begin during the opening half of 2024.

It is projected that the overall cost of this venture will be roughly $1.6 billion, with a contribution of $200 million in governmental grants from Michigan.