Rimac Technology is building solid-state batteries with ProLogium and Mitsubishi, targeting a new Bugatti model by 2030.
Why it matters: The Croatian EV tech powerhouse is betting that next-gen batteries will define the hypercar segment before the technology reaches mainstream vehicles.
The Details
- COO Nurdin Pitarevic confirmed to Autocar that Rimac Technology is “well advanced” on solid-state battery development with cell maker ProLogium and composite materials experts at Mitsubishi.
- Testing begins “very soon,” with Pitarevic’s “wish” being first application in a mid-volume Bugatti production model by 2030.
- Rimac expects cost parity with current NMC lithium-ion batteries by 2035, but has no plans to produce solid-state packs for mass-market vehicles.
- The company is building a 95,000 square meter manufacturing campus in Zagreb, Croatia, backed by a 300 million euro ($327 million) investment.
Solid-State Battery Specs
- Prototype Capacity: 100 kWh
- Energy Density: 20-30% higher than conventional lithium-ion
- Weight Savings: Approximately 30 kg (66 lbs) lighter per pack
- Housing: Ultrastiff composite from Mitsubishi
- Charging: Faster and safer than current technology
- Target Timeline: Market-ready late this decade
E-Axle Developments
- Power Range: 200-470 bhp in compact packages
- Configurations: Front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive
- Clients: BMW, Porsche, and Saudi startup CEER
- Weight Example: 1,288 bhp unit weighs just 132 kg (291 lbs) versus 198 kg (437 lbs) for Nevera equivalent
- Compact Option: 500 bhp power pack at only 48 kg (106 lbs)
EVXL’s Take
Rimac’s solid-state ambitions put them in direct competition with Chinese automakers racing toward the same goal. While Chery claims 600 Wh/kg density and 808-mile range by 2027, Rimac is taking the luxury-first approach. The strategy makes sense: hypercar buyers will pay premium prices that offset development costs before the technology scales down.
The ProLogium partnership is notable because Mercedes-Benz is working with the same Taiwanese cell maker on its own solid-state program. Rimac’s advantage may be speed. As a nimble supplier rather than a legacy automaker, it can move faster than competitors still wrestling with internal combustion transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will Rimac’s solid-state batteries reach production? Rimac targets late this decade for market availability, with first application in a new Bugatti model expected around 2030.
- How much better are solid-state batteries than current EV batteries? Rimac’s prototype delivers 20-30% more energy density while weighing approximately 30 kg less than equivalent conventional packs.
- Will Rimac sell solid-state batteries for affordable EVs? No. COO Pitarevic confirmed Rimac has no plans for mass-market volumes, though they would consider licensing the technology to larger OEMs.
