BMW Group has come out and publicly acknowledged that its future success in a aggressive EV market depends closely on “highly effective, modern, and sustainably produced” battery cells. When BMW’s Neue Klasse (new class) EV structure launches in 2025, the German automaker says the EV platforms will make the most of newly developed 46-mm-diameter battery cells, the identical bigger design Tesla is utilizing.
This previous August, we lined a report that BMW was planning to undertake Tesla’s 4680 (46 mm by 80 mm) cylindrical battery cells – the most important EV cells to this point. Tesla has already been manufacturing the 4680 cells itself at Gigafactory Texas, however the automaker has additionally been recruiting different battery producers to assist produce the cell to maximise its availability.
One of many events was EVE Vitality in China, which was reportedly going to be producing the 4680 EV cells for BMW as nicely. On the time, the German automaker wouldn’t remark, however mentioned battery information can be coming in early September.
Right here we’re, simply over per week into the month and BMW has confirmed it’ll undertake 46-mm-diameter cells for its subsequent EV platform, however with a twist. Moreover, we’ve realized that the automaker is throwing down double-digit billions to battery producers to erect gigafactories in Europe, China, and the USMCA free commerce zone (US, Mexico, Canada).
BMW recruits CATL and EVE for 4680 EV battery manufacturing
BMW Group confirmed its new battery ambitions in a press launch at present, sharing a wealth of latest details about its sixth era of battery cells and a number of the efficiency they are going to present to BMW’s 800V Neue Klasse platform.
First, BMW states the cylindrical cells have been particularly designed for its new EV structure and might enhance the vary of its highest-range mannequin by as much as 30% (WLTP). Frank Weber, a member of the Board of Administration of BMW AG in command of growth, elaborated on the specs:
The newly-developed sixth era of our lithium-ion cells will deliver an enormous leap in know-how that can enhance vitality density by greater than 20 p.c, enhance charging pace by as much as 30 p.c and improve vary by as much as 30 p.c. We’re additionally decreasing CO2 emissions from cell manufacturing by as much as 60 p.c. These are huge steps for sustainability and buyer advantages.
Did you catch it? Weber mentions lithium-ion cells. Beforehand, we’ve questioned whether or not BMW supposed to implement lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry into the 46 mm cells, which might allow inexpensive BMW EVs. Moreover, important uncooked supplies like cobalt and nickel will be averted fully within the cathode materials, providing extra sustainability.
Though BMW has clearly dedicated to lithium-ion cylindrical EV cells, the automaker has acknowledged the sixth-generation battery know-how may also have an choice for LFP cathodes for the primary time. Moreover, BMW Group says it’s growing all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) and goals to succeed in collection introduction by the top of the last decade. BMW has vowed to current a demonstrator EV with this know-how “nicely earlier than 2025.”
One other essential facet to notice is that BMW states that whereas the cells shall be 46 mm in diameter, they are going to be out there in two totally different heights. It has not shared these heights, however anticipate one to be 80 mm just like the Tesla cells, joined by a second top choice.
To assist this impending demand for its new 46 mm cells, BMW already has contracts in place with two battery producers whereas it searches for a 3rd. The 2 awarded contracts are with CATL and EVE Vitality within the “two-digit billion-euro vary” to assist every battery producer in erecting a number of gigafactories – two in Europe and two in China.
Every of the battery cell factories are deliberate to have a complete annual capability as much as 20 GWh. BMW states it’s already planning two extra battery cell factories in North America, however these companions haven’t but been determined. If and when that does occur, these domestically produced cells are a stepping stone for future BMW EVs to qualify for federal tax credit within the US underneath revised phrases of the Inflation Discount Act. So long as the posh automaker can ship a car with an MSRP beneath the value thresholds.
On the wings of its six deliberate gigafactories, BMW believes prices of its sixth era of battery cells will be lowered by as much as 50%, based mostly on present market assumptions.