BMW's announcement to China! Generation 6 battery series-ready!

Tom Bötticher

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BMW recently showcased their latest innovation in an insightful video: the sixth generation of their batteries, which are touted as the German answer to Tesla and competition from China. With a claimed 30% increase in range compared to their previous electric vehicles, a 30% reduction in charging time, and significant cost savings, BMW aims to set new standards with their new electric car drive generation for the 'Neue Klasse'.

The video's primary focus is on BMW's electric strategy, which aims to have all new BMW models based on a universal platform with optimized electric drivetrains starting in 2025. This 'Neue Klasse' platform is defined by a new high-voltage battery, an improved control unit, and advanced electric motors.

The technical innovation mainly lies in the use of cylindrical cells in the sixth generation of BMW batteries, as opposed to the previous prismatic cells. These new larger cells feature a 46X format, allowing for higher energy density and increased electric vehicle range. While cylindrical cells are more efficient, they require sophisticated cooling to manage heat buildup and maintain performance.

BMW has also tailored the chemistry of the new cylindrical cells to further optimize energy density. By using high-nickel-rich NMC chemistries at the cathode, cell capacity was increased and cobalt content reduced. Additionally, BMW utilizes graphite-silicon composites at the anode for improved energy storage.

Interestingly, BMW adopts a unique strategy in cell production, leveraging their own pilot lines to develop desired specifications and then transferring them to external cell manufacturers like CATL and EVE. This approach could be crucial for staying competitive and ensuring battery quality.

Overall, BMW's sixth battery generation promises exciting technological advantages and marks a significant step in electric vehicle development. However, it remains to be seen how these new batteries will perform in practice and if BMW can truly compete with the Chinese competitors. The future of electromobility holds promising developments, and BMW seems poised to lead at the forefront of this transformation

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