BMW Unveils Sixth-Generation Battery-Electric Drive Technology for Future Electric Vehicles

On 21st February, BMW unveiled its sixth-generation battery-electric drive technology, featuring a new large cylindrical battery, an optimized 800V high-pressure platform, and an all-new electric motor. This cutting-edge technology is set to debut on the upcoming "new generation" car model in 2025, with wider application to future domestic and international pure-electric vehicles.

Compared to its fifth-generation counterpart, the sixth-generation drive technology offers a comprehensive upgrade across energy density, weight, energy efficiency, cost reduction, and overall system improvements. The new large cylindrical battery features two sizes: 4695 and 46120, with a standard diameter of 46mm, height options of 95mm or 120mm, and is set to be installed in passenger cars and SUVs.

The sixth-generation drive technology boasts improved energy efficiency, expecting an increase of 30% in range and charging speed, as well as enhanced overall efficiency. The new battery will also have a higher nickel content compared to its predecessor, while reducing cobalt levels by 50%, thus achieving better performance and cost balance.

BMW's sixth-generation drive technology employs a novel design with the integration of "no-module" (Cell to Pack) and "electrical car body" concepts. This innovative structure allows for compact and efficient storage within the vehicle, facilitating flexibility in assembly across multiple models with different body structures.

Internal control management system has been elevated with integrated computer, relay, inverter, and thermal management systems within a more space-efficient design than its predecessor, occupying smaller, more horizontal profiles located to the left rear below. The battery's optimized configuration reduces structural density enhancing balance by smoothing out both interior spaces & Air Resistance values.

Two electric motor configurations are now defined for each operational input: Asynchronous Electric motors and synchronous E- motors at varying capacities depending on drive systems and application demands; and also featuring E- motor performance improvement in operating High Speed as against Permanent magnet designs used today - with the highest current year annual output set to 600,000 units.

BMW has developed an innovative “Energy Master” control center to ensure safe and intelligent management. This all-new central control unit will be located atop the battery pack, optimizing global management of both Low/High Pressure Sources & the data of battery performance simultaneously while managing all vehicle systems to enhance overall efficiency. BMW's "Energy Master" boasts remote real-time software upgrades from connected vehicles. And this new system is scheduled for launch in August.

BMW has successfully developed and refined its sixth-generation drive technology at their BCCC product technology center, with production expected to start large-scale manufacturing next year. In conjunction with continued waste recycling practices, we anticipate mass production & supply by the end of 2024.