In a significant breakthrough for electric vehicle (EV) technology, Michigan-based energy storage technology company Our Next Energy (ONE) has achieved a remarkable milestone with its Gemini dual-chemistry battery. The battery, tested in collaboration with BMW Group on a BMW iX test vehicle, demonstrated an impressive range of 608.1 miles on a single charge. This achievement marks a groundbreaking advancement in EV technology, potentially overcoming one of the major hurdles to mass EV adoption – range anxiety.
The collaboration between ONE and BMW Group was initiated in mid-2022, with the ambitious goal of achieving 600 miles on ONE's Gemini battery. The final result surpassed expectations, reaching 608.1 miles under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) test. BMW Group's Head of High Voltage Storage, Jürgen Hildinger, expressed satisfaction with the outcome and expressed eagerness to continue collaboration, hinting at potential commercialization of the Gemini batteries.
The key to the Gemini battery's success lies in its dual-chemistry architecture, combining two distinct cell types:
To make the dual-chemistry battery functional, ONE developed a proprietary high-efficiency DC-to-DC converter that effectively manages the two battery chemistries.
Gemini Battery Specifications
Advantages of the Dual-Chemistry Battery:
ONE asserts that the Gemini battery is the longest-range EV battery pack that fits within the typical 300-400 liters of space available in a vehicle for energy storage. The concept image provided illustrates the distribution of load on both LFP and anode-free cells. The dual-chemistry approach not only extends the range but also reduces the use of precious battery materials compared to standard solutions with equivalent energy content. ONE claims that the Gemini pack may require 20% less lithium, 60% less graphite, 75% less cobalt, and eliminate the need for cobalt entirely.
The success of Our Next Energy's Gemini dual-chemistry battery in doubling the range of the BMW iX test vehicle marks a significant milestone in the evolution of EV technology. Overcoming range limitations is crucial for widespread EV adoption, and the Gemini battery's impressive performance opens new possibilities for the future of electric mobility. As the automotive industry moves toward electrification, collaborative efforts between innovative companies like ONE and established manufacturers like BMW are likely to accelerate advancements, making long-range EVs a practical reality for consumers worldwide.
Wael is an automotive content writer specializes in creating written content for Motor 283. Producing a wide range of content, including blog posts, articles, product descriptions, reviews, and technical guides related to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, with an unprecedented passion for cars, and motorcycles.
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