Photo: Rimac
Croatian company Rimac Technology has announced a major breakthrough in the development of solid-state batteries—a technology that could underpin Bugatti’s next hypercar, planned for around 2030.
Rimac said its solid-state battery program has moved into real-world testing, opening the door to potential use in series production vehicles. Having become an independent supplier of electric powertrain systems to global automakers in 2022, Rimac is developing the new battery in cooperation with Mitsubishi and ProLogium.
The prototype battery has a capacity of 100 kWh and weighs 30 kilograms less than current equivalents, while offering approximately 30% higher energy density. According to Chief Operating Officer Nurdin Pitaravich, internal testing is set to begin in the near future. The project’s goal is to bring the cost of solid-state cells in line with conventional NMC batteries by 2035.
The first production vehicle that could receive this technology is expected to be a new Bugatti model. It would not replace the current V16-powered Tourbillon hypercar, but rather complement the lineup, allowing the brand to move toward deeper electrification. Bugatti has not yet disclosed details of the future model, though analysts believe it will play a key role in the company’s long-term electric strategy.
Solid-state batteries are only one element of Rimac’s broader electrification program. The company is also expanding its range of electric axles that integrate the motor, gearbox, and power electronics into a single unit. These systems can deliver between 200 and 470 horsepower and are already being supplied to manufacturers such as Porsche and BMW.
Saudi brand Ceer, developed in partnership with Foxconn, is set to integrate a Rimac rear electric drive into an upcoming crossover. This unit will be lighter than the system used in the Rimac Nevera, weighing just 132 kilograms while delivering more than 1,200 horsepower. Rimac is also developing a compact axle system weighing only 48 kilograms and capable of producing around 500 horsepower.
Analysts suggest that the future Bugatti model is likely to be an ultra-light, high-performance electric vehicle or an advanced hybrid positioned above the Tourbillon. If Rimac’s solid-state batteries achieve their projected performance, they could redefine expectations for electric hypercars and shape Bugatti’s direction for decades to come.
