BMW is making ready for a “technological quantum leap ” with its next-gen EV batteries. The German automaker claims its new tech will ship 30% extra driving vary, 30% sooner charging, and maybe, most significantly, at a less expensive worth.
BMW’s next-gen EV batteries will increase vary, minimize prices
With the debut of its first Neue Klasse, or “New Class” EV, in only a few months, BMW is giving us a more in-depth take a look at the batteries and electrical drive techniques.
BMW revealed new particulars of its 800V platform that can underpin upcoming BMW, Mini, and Rolls Royce model EV fashions. The platform, dubbed “Gen6,” is a “quantum leap ahead” in comparison with its present electrical vehicles.
BMW claims its sixth-generation eDrive system will ship “30% sooner charging pace and a 30% enhance in vary.” And a few fashions could supply much more efficiency.
“We’re main the way in which with this drivetrain expertise,” boasted Dr Joachim Publish, a member of BMW’s buying and provider community board.
The brand new NMC batteries function BMW’s Gen6 cylindrical cells, that are mentioned to supply 20% larger power density than their predecessor, the Gen5 prismatic battery cell. BMW confirmed it would additionally supply bidirectional charging as normal in Gen6 fashions.
Their slimmer, extra environment friendly “cell-to-pack” design makes it simpler to package deal. Extra importantly, most growth and meeting at the moment are completed in-house, which is able to assist BMW drastically minimize manufacturing prices.
Drastic enhancements are coming quickly
To offer you an thought, the 2024 BMW i4, the posh model’s top-selling EV within the US final yr, has an EPA-estimated vary of as much as 301 miles with quick charging (10% to 80%) in about 31 minutes. A 30% enchancment suggests simply over 390 miles driving vary with quick charging in beneath 22 minutes.
BMW made a number of enhancements to the electrical motor, together with a second asynchronous motor (ASM) motor that shall be fitted on the entrance axle of AWD Neue Klasse fashions.
Different enhancements embrace a brand new water and oil cooling system, an built-in inverter, and redesigned central housing to scale back weight.
The brand new EV batteries are assembled at 5 manufacturing vegetation as a part of BMW’s “native for native” technique, together with in Bavaria (Irlbach-Straßkirchen), Hungary (Debrecen), China (Shenyang), Mexico (San Luis Potosí), and the US (Woodruff, close to Spartanburg). BMW additionally secured provide agreements with 5 battery cell factories throughout Europe, China, and the US.
BMW mentioned its new tech reduces power losses by 40%, prices by 20%, and weight by 10% in comparison with a Gen5 xDrive mannequin.
BMW Power Grasp, the management unit for the electrical motor and electrical system, shall be produced at its Plant Landshut (Bavaria), the place it would even be fitted with the battery. The electrical motor and Gen6 eDrive shall be produced at Pant Steyr in Austria.
BMW mentioned its plant in Bavaria is already producing pre-series management items. Collection manufacturing is anticipated to start in August 2025, and output will speed up in mid-2026.
The primary Neue Klasse BMW mannequin, an electrical 3-series, will debut later this yr. Then, the Neue Klasse SUV is due out.
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