BMW is preparing for a “technological quantum leap ” with its next-gen EV batteries. The German automaker claims its new tech will deliver 30% more driving range, 30% faster charging, and perhaps, most importantly, at a cheaper price.
BMW’s next-gen EV batteries will boost range, cut costs
With the debut of its first Neue Klasse, or “New Class” EV, in just a few months, BMW is giving us a closer look at the batteries and electric drive systems.
BMW revealed new details of its 800V platform that will underpin upcoming BMW, Mini, and Rolls Royce brand EV models. The platform, dubbed “Gen6,” is a “quantum leap forward” compared to its current electric cars.
BMW claims its sixth-generation eDrive system will deliver “30% faster charging speed and a 30% increase in range.” And some models may offer even more performance.
“We are leading the way with this drivetrain technology,” boasted Dr Joachim Post, a member of BMW’s purchasing and supplier network board.
The new NMC batteries feature BMW’s Gen6 cylindrical cells, which are said to offer 20% greater energy density than their predecessor, the Gen5 prismatic battery cell. BMW confirmed it will also offer bidirectional charging as standard in Gen6 models.
Their slimmer, more efficient “cell-to-pack” design makes it easier to package. More importantly, most development and assembly are now done in-house, which will help BMW drastically cut production costs.
Drastic improvements are coming soon
To give you an idea, the 2024 BMW i4, the luxury brand’s top-selling EV in the US last year, has an EPA-estimated range of up to 301 miles with fast charging (10% to 80%) in about 31 minutes. A 30% improvement suggests just over 390 miles driving range with fast charging in under 22 minutes.
BMW made several improvements to the electric motor, including a second asynchronous motor (ASM) motor that will be fitted on the front axle of AWD Neue Klasse models.
Other improvements include a new water and oil cooling system, an integrated inverter, and redesigned central housing to reduce weight.
The new EV batteries are assembled at five production plants as part of BMW’s “local for local” strategy, including in Bavaria (Irlbach-Straßkirchen), Hungary (Debrecen), China (Shenyang), Mexico (San Luis Potosí), and the US (Woodruff, near Spartanburg). BMW also secured supply agreements with five battery cell factories across Europe, China, and the US.
Top comment by Ted Carson
This is the under-emphasized advantage of EVs right now. EV technology in every aspect - battery capacity, battery density, motor efficiency, vehicle electronics efficiency, etc. - is advancing faster than the equivalent in long-established ICEVs.
The last century has made incredible advances in the ICE, and I'm infinitely impressed that how far we got exploding fossil fuels in cylinders, but the curve fundamentally favors EVs and the wins will be irrepressibly compelling.
BMW said its new tech reduces energy losses by 40%, costs by 20%, and weight by 10% compared to a Gen5 xDrive model.
BMW Energy Master, the control unit for the electric motor and electric system, will be produced at its Plant Landshut (Bavaria), where it will also be fitted with the battery. The electric motor and Gen6 eDrive will be produced at Pant Steyr in Austria.
BMW said its plant in Bavaria is already producing pre-series control units. Series production is expected to begin in August 2025, and output will accelerate in mid-2026.
The first Neue Klasse BMW model, an electric 3-series, will debut later this year. Then, the Neue Klasse SUV is due out.
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