This morning, Solid Power announced that long-time investor BMW Group is expanding an existing joint development agreement to license its technology in order to build its own solid-state batteries in Germany. Under the agreement, BMW will gain access to Solid Power’s battery research and development, cell design, and manufacturing expertise to expedite the technology alongside its partner. That being said, Solid Power isn’t licensing all of its technology.
Solid Power ($SLDP) is a Colorado-based battery developer specializing in solid-state, sulfide-based electrolyte technology with hopes to bring scalable cells to the EV world at or near cost parity to current lithium-ion batteries. We have covered the company since 2017 when BMW Group first invested in its technology.
Since then, fellow automakers like Ford and Hyundai have invested in Solid Power, in addition to a partnership with SK Innovation announced in October of 2021. This past June, Solid Power announced a solid-state battery pilot production line ahead of a timeline to deliver the cells to both Ford and BMW before year’s end.
Today, Solid Power announced that BMW Group in particular won’t just be receiving solid-state prototypes for EV testing, but will be granted access to its battery know-how to help develop the technology concurrently.
BMW gets R&D license for solid-state battery tech
Per a press release from Solid Power this morning, it has deepened its long-running relationship with BMW Group as part of a joint development agreement.
By gaining a license to Solid Power’s research and development, cell design, and manufacturing practices, BMW Group intends to duplicate Solid Power’s pilot production line at its own facility in Germany in order to produce prototype batteries cells of its own.
As a result of the expanded development agreement, both Solid Power and BMW Group intend to perform complementary cell development and manufacturing activities at their respective facilities to expedite the capability of the solid-state battery technology. Solid Power COO Dr. Derek Johnson spoke:
We could not be more excited about growing our relationship with BMW, a company that has demonstrated a strong commitment to Solid Power’s technology for the past seven years. We believe this expanded partnership and increased collaboration is an added vote of confidence in Solid Power’s technology development.
In exchange for access to Solid Power’s proprietary solid-state technology and manufacturing know-how, BMW Group has agreed to pay $20 million through June 2024 (subject to achieving certain milestones that have not been shared yet). While the expanded joint development agreement does include the sharing of information pertaining to proprietary battery technology, it does not include a license to intellectual property related to Solid Power’s electrolyte material, a pillar of its current business.
The companies state that while BMW implements its solid-state prototype production line overseas, its team will work alongside the Solid Power personnel at the latter’s facilities to continue to optimize the cell manufacturing processes. Once the production line is up and running in Germany, Solid Power still expects to supply BMW Group with its electrolyte material for all prototype cell production. Solid Power’s interim CEO, president, and chair David Jansen spoke about the future of solid-state batteries in EVs:
Expanding our relationship with BMW is further evidence that both companies believe Solid Power is on the right track with its technology development. I am encouraged by the progress our team continues to make toward achieving our company’s goals. Over the past several months, we began delivering 20 Ah cells to our partners, including BMW, for initial testing and commenced production of our initial EV cells. We look forward to bringing our electrolyte manufacturing facility online and commencing the formal automotive qualification process.
How Solid Power’s expanded relationship with BMW Group may affect access to solid-state battery technology for other investors like Ford remains unclear at this point. This news follows another milestone earlier this week in which fellow solid-state battery developer QuantumScape began delivering 24-layer battery cells to automotive OEMs for testing.
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Time-of-use electricity plans are hardly a new concept, but what makes Octopus Energy’s new time-of-use plan, OctopusFlex, great is that it’s ridiculously simple.
It rewards its customers in Lubbock, Texas, for using power between 10 pm and 6 am with cheaper rates, when the grid is quieter and cleaner. That means big savings for choosing to run your dishwasher or washer and dryer at night or charging your EV while you sleep.
And if customers use EV charger apps and smart thermostats, OctopusFlex automatically shifts electricity use to off-peak hours, which makes a real difference in accessing lower rates and saving money.
“This is about more than off-peak discounts,” said Nick Chaset, CEO of Octopus Energy US. “We’re giving customers the power to save money while actively supporting a cleaner, more balanced grid.”
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Built around customer feedback, OctopusFlex is designed for total transparency. Customers can see exactly how and when they’re using electricity, what it’s costing them, and no connected devices are required. All they have to do is remember that electricity is cheaper from 10 pm to 6am.
“We’re thrilled to launch OctopusFlex, a plan our customers asked for and helped name,” said Katie Rosario, marketing manager. “With OctopusFlex, customers can shift energy use on their terms to save money.”
And in the summer, when solar power is strong and demand shifts, OctopusFlex customers could see low rates not just overnight, but all day long. (This program is designed for folks who don’t have solar and battery storage.)
“Time-of-use is one of the easiest ways to cut energy bills and reward flexibility,” said Daniel Kirwin, product manager. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring this to Texas.”
By nudging demand to off-peak hours, OctopusFlex helps reduce the strain on Texas’ grid during scorching summer afternoons, cuts the risk of blackouts, and makes room for more renewable energy.
Want to make the most of it? Pre-cool your home in the early morning, run big appliances overnight, charge your EV after 10 pm, and use smart plugs or timers to set and forget.
OctopusFlex is now live in Lubbock, Texas, where Octopus Energy became a retail provider in early 2024. Octopus Energy launched in 2016 and entered the US market in 2020. The company is part of Octopus Group, a global certified BCorp operating in 18 countries.
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Are you sick of hearing BYD’s name yet? You may want to get used to it. Another one of its EV models crossed a major milestone on Monday as BYD’s global push heats up.
BYD Atto 3 EV hits 1 million cumulative sales milestone
BYD announced on Weibo that its cumulative global sales of the Yuan Up electric SUV surpassed the 1 million mark on Monday.
The Yuan Up is sold in China and rebranded under the name Atto 3 in global markets. It’s the third vehicle in BYD’s Dynasty series to achieve this feat, following the BYD Song (sold globally under the name Seal U) and the Qin sedan.
BYD first launched the electric SUV in China in February 2022, meaning it took just over three years and four months to sell one million units.
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In China, the Yuan Up starts at just 115,800 yuan ($16,100), but overseas, it typically costs more. For example, the Atto 3 starts at around 38,000 euros ($44,000) in Europe. In Thailand, it was launched at around 1,099,900 baht ($33,600), but BYD has since slashed the prices to around 899,900 baht ($27,500).
After launching the electric SUV in Hyundai and Kia’s home market of Korea earlier this year, the Atto 3 secured over 1,000 preorders in under a week.
Measuring 4,455 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,615 mm in height, the Atto 3 is a small SUV, about the size of the Nissan Qashqai.
BYD Atto 3 (Yuan Plus) in Japan (Source: BYD)
In China, the Yuan Up is available with two LFP battery options: 49.9 kWh and 60.5 kWh, providing a CLTC range of 430 km (267 miles) and 510 km (317 miles), respectively. The Atto 3 is rated with a WLTP range of 345 km (214 miles) and 420 km (261 miles).
The Yuan Up (Atto 3) is the latest BYD EV to reach the milestone. Last week, it was BYD’s top-selling electric car, the Seagull.
BYD’s Seagull EV starts at under $10,000 (69,800 yuan) in China and is sold globally under the name Dolphin Mini. In Europe, where it was launched earlier this month, it’s sold as the Dolphin Surf, with starting prices at € 19,990 ($23,100).
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The world seems awfully tinderbox-y these days, what with a heat dome descending over the US, the Strait of Hormuz getting locked down, and gas prices set to climb on rising oil prices. As such, it might be a good time to buy that slick new EV you’ve had your eye on. If that sounds like you, you’re in luck! There are a bunch of great plug-in cars you can buy with 0% financing in June, 2025!
As I was putting this list together, I realized there were plenty of ways for me to present this information. “Best EVs ..?” Too opinion based. “Cheapest EVs ..?” Too much research. “Biggest discount deal ..?” Too individualized. In the end, I went with alphabetical order, by make. And, as for which deals are new this month? You’re just gonna have to check the list. Enjoy!
Acura ZDX
2025 Acura ZDX; via Acura.
A solidly-built EV with GM levels of parts support and Honda levels of fit, finish, and quality control plusApple CarPlay? That’s the Acura ZDX, and (through June 30th) you can get yours with 0% financing for up to 72 months, making the ZDX one the best sporty crossover values in the business.
Chevy Brightdrop ZEVO
Chevrolet BrightDrop ZEVO; via GM.
GM Authority is reporting that the $25,500 discount rolled out to Chevy Brightdrop dealers nationwide has been extended through June 30th on both the Zevo 400 and 600 models, and that the massive Brightdrop price drop is stackable with up to $3,000 in Costco member savings plus 0% interest financing.
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If you’re looking for a new truck for your business or even a unique #vanlife ride with zero emissions, modern tech, and a nationwide dealer network, GM makes that $130 Executive membership seem like a no-brainer.
Every electric Chevrolet
Silverado EV, Equinox EV, and Blazer EV at a Tesla Supercharger; via GM.
Chevrolet is offering 0% financing for up to 60 months on all three of its remaining 2024 model year Ultium-based EVs – and they’re all winners. The Silverado can be spec’ed up to a 10,500 lb. GVWR, making it capable enough to tow whatever horse, boat, or RV you put behind it.
Dodge dealers are hoping that at least a few muscle car enthusiasts with extra cash will find their way to a Dodge store and ask for the meanest, loudest, tire-shreddingest thing on the lot without caring too much about what’s under the hood. For them, Dodge has the new electric Charger, and Dodge will help get the deal done on its latest retro-tastic ride with 0% interest financing for up to 72 months!
Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning
F-150 Lightning with home charger; via Ford.
This month, you can get a killer deal on a new Ford Mustang Mach-E, with 0% interest financing for up to 72 months on the sporty plug-in pony car.
Another legacy brand with a solid Powerwall option, the big Ultium-based EVs from GM’s commercial truck brand are seriously impressive machines, with shockingly quick acceleration and on-road handling that seems to defy the laws of physics once you understand that these are, essentially, medium-duty trucks. This month, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory, so if you’re a fan of heavy metal you’ll definitely want to stop by your local GMC dealer and give the Hummer EV a test drive.
Hyundai IONIQ 6
Hyundai IONIQ 6; via Hyundai.
From some angles, the Porsche influences in the Hyundai IONIQ 6′ design are obvious – but not so much so that it seems like a copy of anything. It’s aerodynamically efficient, comfortable, quick, offers up to 361 miles of range, can charge just about anywhere, and now through June 30th, it’s available with 0% financing for up to 48 months.
Jeep Wagoneer S
Electric Jeep Wagoneer S; via Stellantis.
With some dealers advertising massive $25,000 discounts, the Jeep Wagoneer S is a confusingly named EV diamond in the rough. This high-riding crossover rides on a lifted version of the same Stellantis platform as the Dodge Charger, and seems more than ready to deliver solid range and on-road performance.
With those killer deals and 0% interest for up to 72 months through June 30th, the Wagoneer S might just be the best Jeep deal you’re going to find this month!
Lexus RZ
2024 Lexus RZ 450e Luxury; via Lexus.
Starting at $55,175, the Lexus RZ promises up to 266 miles of EPA-rated range from a 72.8 kWh battery back in the “base” RZ300e (and 224 from the top-shelf RZ450e, shown above). With up to 308 hp and over 195 lb-ft of instant, all-electric torque, the RZ promises to be one Lexus’ zippier rides in any trim.
US News is reporting that remaining 2024 and ’25 Lexus RZ models qualify for 0% financing for up to 72 months in some regions.
Nissan Ariya
2024 Nissan Ariya; photo by the author.
I’ve already said that the Nissan Ariya didn’t get a fair shake. If you click that link, you’ll read about a car that offers solid driving dynamics, innovative interior design, and all the practicality that makes five-passenger crossovers the must-haves they’ve become for most families. With up to 289 miles of EPA-rated range, Tesla Supercharger access, and 0% interest from Nissan for up to 72 months, Nissan dealers should have no trouble finding homes for these.
Tesla Model 3
Tesla’s new Model 3 Performance, Courtesy of Tesla Inc.
Say what you will about Elon Musk, we wouldn’t be here talking about EVs at all if it wasn’t for his marketing brilliance, bravado, and sheer force of will. Beyond that, Tesla simply offers as superior ownership experience through total software integration, unfettered access to the Supercharger network, and the best EV route-planning software this side of Chargeway.
If you can stomach being associated with Elon (or have an inside line on some spare Honda badges), you can get a new Model 3 for 0% interest or 0.99% with $0 down if you apply the $7,500 Federal tax incentive at the point of purchase.
With an updated bZ waiting in the wings, the current bZ4X EV might be the best deal in Toyota’s current lineup with big discounts on remaining 2024 and 2025 model year bZ4X crossovers happening all month long.
VW ID.4
VW ID4.
One of the most popular legacy EVs, the ID.4 offers Volkswagen build quality and a Chat-GPT enabled interface. Still, with a relatively affordable base price, lickety-quick charging, up to 291 miles of EPA-rated range, and a 5-star safety rating, and 0% interest financing for 72 months, the ID.4 offers a value proposition that’s tough to beat.
Disclaimer: the vehicle models and financing deals above were sourced from CarsDirect, CarEdge, and (where mentioned) the OEM websites – and were current as of 23JUN2025. These deals may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.
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