Tesla, BMW May Collaborate on Battery Tech
Tesla and BMW might be looking to collaborate on future battery technology.
“We are talking about whether we can collaborate in battery technology or charging stations,” Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in an interview with Der Spiegel.
These talks have only been casual so far according to a Tesla spokeswoman, but the advantages to both companies in a collaboration seem clear. Tesla is getting ready to open the Gigafactory which will be the world’s largest producer of lithium-ion batteries which will help drive costs down. Elon Musk has already said he is looking for customers to purchase some of those batteries.
SEE ALSO: Tesla to Build Gigafactory in Nevada
BMW’s recently released ‘i’ sub-brand of vehicles, the i3 city car and i8 sports car, both of which use lithium-ion battery technology could benefit from these new low-cost, lightweight batteries. The German brand has also said that it wants to expand the ‘i’ lineup, which means that it will need more batteries in the future.
Musk went on to say that BMW’s use of carbon fiber reinforced body parts is “interesting” and “relatively cost efficient.”
BMW has plans to triple the size of its carbon fiber factory in Washington State, which will become the world’s largest producer of the lightweight material. Tesla could utilize BMW’s carbon fiber to help make its cars lighter and more efficient.
[Source: Reuters]
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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Cooperating with Musk must be VERY hard.