At the Tech Days event in Landsgut, the company revealed details of new high-voltage batteries and electric motors. The first Neue Klasse model with the new technology will enter the assembly line already this year at the plant in Debrecen, Hungary.
The main improvements of Gen6 batteries are 30 per cent faster charging and 30 per cent longer range. Some models will be able to travel up to 900 kilometres on a single charge. This is possible thanks to the transition to 800-volt architecture.
The new batteries have cylindrical cells with an increased energy capacity of 20 per cent compared to the previous Gen5 prismatic cells. BMW will use 4695 cells (46 mm in diameter, 95 mm in height) for sedans and sporty models, and 46120 cells (120 mm in height) for crossovers.
The battery pack itself will become part of the body structure, and the cells will be incorporated directly into the battery pack rather than in separate modules. In addition, the Gen6 batteries will support bi-directional charging, allowing the cars to be used as a power source for the home or even to return energy to the power grid.
Controlling all processes is the new Energy Master, a central control unit that monitors high-voltage and low-voltage power, processes battery data and is responsible for the safe operation of the entire electrical system. BMW has already patented a number of new solutions for the electrical system, in particular electronic fuses.
The first car on the new platform will be the next-generation BMW iX3, which will debut in September 2025. Gradually, as new model generations emerge, all BMW, Rolls-Royce and MINI electric cars will switch to this architecture.