BMW is getting 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, reduce 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 have a look at the batteries and electrical drive methods.
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% quicker charging velocity and a 30% improve in vary.” And a few fashions could supply much more efficiency.
“We’re main the way in which with this drivetrain know-how,” boasted Dr Joachim Submit, 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% higher vitality 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 bundle. Extra importantly, most improvement and meeting are actually accomplished in-house, which is able to assist BMW drastically reduce 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 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 mentioned 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, 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 models. 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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