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 vehicles.
BMW claims its sixth-generation eDrive system will ship “30% quicker charging pace and a 30% enhance in vary.” And a few fashions might supply much more efficiency.
“We’re main the best way with this drivetrain know-how,” boasted Dr Joachim Put up, 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 is going to 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 improvement and meeting are actually achieved 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 luxurious model’s top-selling EV within the US final 12 months, 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 will likely 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 scale 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 mentioned its new tech reduces power losses by 40%, prices by 20%, and weight by 10% in comparison with a Gen5 xDrive mannequin.
BMW Vitality Grasp, the management unit for the electrical motor and electrical system, will likely be produced at its Plant Landshut (Bavaria), the place it is going to even be fitted with the battery. The electrical motor and Gen6 eDrive will likely be produced at Pant Steyr in Austria.
BMW mentioned its plant in Bavaria is already producing pre-series management items. Sequence manufacturing is predicted 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 12 months. Then, the Neue Klasse SUV is due out.
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