bmw shared important news about its electrification strategy and in particular about the batteries that we will find in future electric vehicles. Since 2025 The German brand will bring to market new electric models based on the Neue Klasse platform, which will be equipped with battery packs equipped with new design cylindrical cells. Today, the manufacturer uses prismatic cells for its cars. Frank WeberHead of Development at BMW, highlights the benefits of using the new batteries.
The sixth generation of our newly developed Lithium Ion cells will be a huge step forward as it will increase energy density by more than 20%, improve charging speed by up to 30% and improve battery life by up to 30%.
BMW confirms that for new battery cells will follow the path traversed by Tesla. Actually, cylindrical cells they will have diameter 46 mm and will be offered in two heights. In addition, they will have a higher percentage of silicon and nickel and less cobalt. According to the above, new batteries will be able to count on 20% increase in energy density. According to BMW, in high-end models, this will lead to an increase in range by about 30%.
The new platform will feature an 800V architecture that will reduce by 30% the time it takes to go from 10% to 80% on DC charging. In short, very interesting numbers that make it clear that the next electric BMWs will offer high-end technical content.
But the automaker goes further and also reveals who will produce the new elements.
To meet our long-term needs, we will build battery manufacturing plants with our partners, each with an annual capacity of up to 20 GWh, at six locations in our key markets: two in China, two in Europe and two in the USMCA. USA – Mexico – Canada).
In detail, the Germans know about appropriating CATL and EVE Energy contracts worth two billion euros for the construction of cell factories for batteries. Both partners they will build two factories in China and Europe and each will have a total annual capacity of up to 20 GWh. BMW has not yet identified partners for the plants it will build at the USMCA. Only energy from renewable sources will be used to build the cells. In this way, it will be possible to reduce the carbon footprint of cell production by up to 60% compared to the current generation.
BMW will also work on recycling as the long term goal is to be able to use fully recyclable batteries. In terms of research, the manufacturer emphasizes that the sixth generation battery technology will also allow the use of LFP-type cells. In addition, the development of solid-state batteries continues. The first demonstrator vehicle equipped with this technology is expected to be ready in 2025.
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Source: HD Motori
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.