The BMW Group has revealed groundbreaking advancements in its electric vehicle technology with the sixth-generation BMW eDrive system, marking a significant leap forward in electric mobility. Unveiled during the company’s Tech Days event in Landshut, these innovations will power the upcoming Neue Klasse lineup, set to enter production later this year in Hungary. Here’s a closer look at the key highlights of this new technology.
800V Technology: A Leap Toward Faster, Farther Electric Mobility
The new eDrive generation introduces a high-voltage battery system equipped with 800V technology. This marks a major step forward in both charging efficiency and vehicle range. Compared to previous models, the Gen6 technology promises a 30% faster charging time and up to a 30% increase in range, with certain models reaching even higher numbers. This leap is made possible by BMW’s new cylindrical cells, which offer 20% greater energy density than their predecessors.
Furthermore, BMW’s Energy Master central control unit, developed entirely in-house, manages power distribution between the battery, electric motor, and vehicle electrical system. This intelligent unit also allows for real-time updates through Remote Software Upgrades, a feature aimed at enhancing vehicle performance even after purchase.
Modular, Flexible, and Sustainable Production
BMW’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its new “local for local” approach to production. The Gen6 high-voltage batteries will be assembled in five global facilities, including locations in Hungary, China, Mexico, and the USA. This strategy not only strengthens BMW’s supply chain resilience but also ensures that production can adapt to unforeseen global events.
The new “cell-to-pack” and “pack-to-open-body” principles revolutionize battery integration. The cylindrical cells are placed directly into the high-voltage battery housing, eliminating the need for intermediate modules. Additionally, the battery itself serves as a structural component of the vehicle’s body, making the overall design more compact and efficient.
A Technology-Open Approach to Electric Motors
BMW remains committed to offering a variety of electric motor technologies in its vehicles, ensuring that it meets diverse customer needs across the globe. The Neue Klasse will feature both Electrically Excited Synchronous Motors (EESM) and Asynchronous Motors (ASM), each with distinct advantages in efficiency, compactness, and cost-effectiveness. The inclusion of these different motor types allows BMW to cater to a wider range of performance levels and vehicle configurations.
Notably, the Gen6 powertrain has been optimized for the new 800V architecture, incorporating silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors in the inverter, improving overall system efficiency by reducing energy losses by 40% and vehicle weight by 10%.
Innovation in Battery Recycling
As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, BMW is exploring innovative recycling methods for high-voltage batteries. Through partnerships with companies like SK tes, BMW is working to create a circular economy by recovering valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel from end-of-life batteries. In addition, BMW has partnered with Encory to set up a competence center for direct battery cell recycling in Lower Bavaria, where valuable materials from production waste will be reused.
Global Manufacturing Strategy
Series production of the Gen6 electric motors will begin in 2025 at BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria. The plant’s expertise in drive systems, combined with the latest advancements in electric mobility, ensures BMW’s continued leadership in the industry. The plant is set to expand its capacity significantly by 2030, supporting BMW’s goal to produce up to 600,000 electric drive units annually.
In parallel, BMW Plant Landshut in Germany is at the forefront of manufacturing the Energy Master, ensuring that BMW maintains full control over the production of key components in its electric drive system.
The Road Ahead for BMW and Electric Mobility
The BMW Group’s advancements in electric drive technology represent a major shift toward more sustainable, efficient, and flexible electric vehicles. As Dr. Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management at BMW AG, explains, “Electric mobility is the future, and we are committed to offering the best drive technology for every need, while leading the way in electric mobility.” The Neue Klasse, debuting later this year, will be the first model to benefit from these innovations, setting the stage for the future of BMW’s fully electric range.
In conclusion, BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology and the accompanying production and sustainability strategies demonstrate a commitment to innovation across the electric mobility value chain. From faster charging and longer range to modular production and cutting-edge recycling, these advancements position the BMW Group as a leader in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.
