Future BMW EVs won't offer more than 1,000 km of range

BMW also claims that the change in the design and manufacturing process of the new-gen batteries will help production costs fall by up to 50%.

BMW has announced details of its next-generation lithium-ion batteries, called Gen6.

Due to arrive in 2025, the new-generation batteries will adopt a cylindrical cell shape, replacing the currently used prismatic cell shape. Compared to the current batteries, the Gen6 cells are said to offer 30% more range and 30% better DC rapid-charging time. They are capable of supporting up to 270 kW ultra-rapid charging.

With the introduction of the Gen6 batteries, future BMW EVs could be aiming at 621 miles (1,000 km) between charges. However, as per Thomas Albrecht, Head of Efficient Dynamics at BMW, the company won't offer beyond 1,000 km of range, even though it can. Albrecht reasoned that "the company doesn't think that such a long-range is necessary".

Coming back to the batteries, the cylindrical cells will measure 46 mm in diameter and be offered in two varying heights, depending on the application. The Gen6 cell will come with altered chemistry giving it a 20% higher energy density, while reducing the weight of the battery pack by up to 20% compared to the current Gen5.

BMW plans to open six new battery plants in Canada, Mexico, Europe, China and the USA. These plants will be set up close to the vehicle manufacturing units to reduce transportation costs. BMW also claims that the change in the design and manufacturing process of the new-gen batteries will help production costs fall by up to 50%.

Source: Autocar