Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

  1. Green Auto World
  2. What's happening with Electric cars and clean energy vehicles
  3. Our Next Energy's 'Gemini' Battery Doubles BMW iX's Range

Our Next Energy's 'Gemini' Battery Doubles BMW iX's Range

04 Dec 2023
  • What are the specifications and advantages of the Gemini Battery?

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.

Gemini Battery Architecture

Gemini Battery Architecture

The key to the Gemini battery's success lies in its dual-chemistry architecture, combining two distinct cell types:

  • Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells: Providing basic energy density but high durability, suitable for powering the motor and meeting the demands of 99% of daily trips, with a range of 150 miles.
  • Anode-free cells: High energy density cells, rated at over 1,000 Wh/l, offering an additional range of up to 450 miles intermittently.

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

  • Volumetric energy density on a system level (pack): 450 Wh/l
  • Energy content: "185+ kilowatt-hours"
  • Range achieved: 608.1 miles under WLTP test
  • Anode-free cells: Over 1,000 Wh/l, providing up to 450 miles of additional range

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 Nakhle

BY Wael Nakhle

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.

Porsche plans a trio of powertrains for the Cayenne into the next decade

26 Jul 2024
Porsche plans a trio of powertrains for the Cayenne into the next decade

For more than 20 years, the Cayenne has been characterised by its ability to provide the broad range of qualities between characteristic Porsche driving performance, excellent comfort in everyday driving, and great capability when driving off-road. The future models of the SUV will seamlessly continue this success story, retaining all of the car’s familiar features.

“The Cayenne has always defined the sports car in its segment. In the middle of the decade, the fourth generation will set standards in the segment as an electric SUV,” said Blume, CEO of Porsche AG. At the same time, into the next decade our customers will still be able to choose from a wide range of powerful and efficient combustion and hybrid models.

"The third generation of the Cayenne will be further upgraded and will continue to be offered alongside the fourth, all-electric generation".

The current Cayenne generation, which last year was given one of the most extensive product upgrades in the history of Porsche, will be further developed with major technological investment in the future. Here the developers will be focusing, among other things, on the powertrains, in particular on improving the efficiency of the V8 developed by Porsche and built at the Zuffenhausen engine plant. Extensive technical measures will ensure that the twin-turbo engine is ready to comply with future legislative requirements.

The Corporate Engine Powering VinFast's Global Push

26 Jul 2024
The Corporate Engine Powering VinFast's Global Push

In a bold move against the prevailing headwinds in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, VinFast, the young Vietnamese EV manufacturer, is forging ahead with its ambitious global expansion plans. While major players like Apple have recently abandoned their decade-long pursuit of an electric vehicle, and others are scaling back their ambitions, VinFast remains undeterred. Having already established a presence in the U.S., Canada, and Southeast Asia, the company is now setting its sights on the Middle Eastern market.

Hyundai's Three-Row EV Launches Later This Year: The Ioniq 9

25 Jul 2024
Hyundai's Three-Row EV Launches Later This Year: The Ioniq 9

Hyundai is set to debut its three-row electric SUV later this year, a move that signifies the automaker's bold step into the large electric vehicle (EV) market. This new SUV, anticipated to be named the Ioniq 9, is poised to be Hyundai’s equivalent to the Kia EV9, offering a spacious and eco-friendly alternative to its popular Palisade.