DETROIT, June 14 Reuters BMW will install and test a longrange battery developed by Michiganbased startup Our Next Energy ONE in the German automaker39;s iX electric SUV, the companies said on Tuesday.

ONE39;s Gemini battery will incorporate two types of battery cells, including one with advanced chemistry that can store more energy and enable vehicle range of 600 miles 965 km or more between charges, the battery maker said. The prototype vehicle is expected to be completed by yearend, ONE said.

The Gemini battery aims to reduce the use of such traditional EV battery materials as cobalt, nickel, graphite and lithium, according to Mujeeb Ijaz, ONE founder and chief executive.

Ijaz said ONE is testing different electrode chemistries in Gemini, while evaluating the potential tradeoffs in cost, energy and sustainability.

ONE might offer a production version of the battery in three different sizes and prices, Ijaz said, including a lowend version that would cost the same as today39;s conventional nickel and cobaltbased batteries, if not a little lower.

Ijaz said ONE is discussing similar prototype testing of its Gemini battery with other companies.

In March, BMW39;s corporate venture arm led a 65 million funding round in ONE. Other investors in that round included Coatue Management, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Assembly Ventures, Flex and Volta Energy Technologies. 

In December, ONE said an early prototype of the Gemini battery, retrofitted in a Tesla Model S sedan,…