BMW'S BATTERY STRATEGY EXPLAINED - CONSIDERING EVERY CHEMISTRY

EV Channels Review

This episode features an insightful discussion with Kurt Vandeputte, Manager of Battery Cell Competence at BMW Group, focusing on the company's evolving battery strategy. BMW is transitioning from prismatic to cylindrical cells for its upcoming Gen 6 batteries, set to debut in the 2025 "Neue Klasse" models. This shift allows for a more integrated "cell-to-pack" design and improved thermal management. The strategy embraces diverse chemistries, utilizing LFP for cost-effective, daily-use applications and NMC for performance-oriented models. A particularly innovative approach highlighted is the "dual chemistry" system developed with ONE, combining an LFP traction battery with an anode-less range extender battery to achieve exceptional range (over 600 miles WLTP in an iX test). While solid-state batteries are being explored for the future, they remain a long-term research project due to manufacturing and interaction challenges. BMW's commitment to understanding battery chemistry and manufacturing from the ground up, through partnerships and in-house competence centers, positions them to engage with suppliers on an equal technological footing and drive innovation in the EV battery ecosystem.