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% quicker charging, and maybe, most significantly, at a less expensive worth.
BMW’s next-gen EV batteries will enhance vary, lower prices
With the debut of its first Neue Klasse, or “New Class” EV, in just some months, BMW is giving us a better take a look at the batteries and electrical drive methods.
BMW revealed new particulars of its 800V platform that may 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 automobiles.
BMW claims its sixth-generation eDrive system will ship “30% quicker charging velocity 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 stated to supply 20% higher vitality density than their predecessor, the Gen5 prismatic battery cell. BMW confirmed it can additionally supply bidirectional charging as commonplace in Gen6 fashions.
Their slimmer, extra environment friendly “cell-to-pack” design makes it simpler to bundle. Extra importantly, most growth and meeting are actually carried out in-house, which can assist BMW drastically lower manufacturing prices.
Drastic enhancements are coming quickly
To provide 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 below 22 minutes.
BMW made a number of enhancements to the electrical motor, together with a second asynchronous motor (ASM) motor that might be fitted on the entrance axle of AWD Neue Klasse fashions.
Different enhancements embody a brand new water and oil cooling system, an built-in inverter, and redesigned central housing to cut back weight.
The brand new EV batteries are assembled at 5 manufacturing crops 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 stated its new tech reduces vitality 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, might be produced at its Plant Landshut (Bavaria), the place it can even be fitted with the battery. The electrical motor and Gen6 eDrive might be produced at Pant Steyr in Austria.
BMW stated 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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