BMW Group and the German government project to develop next-generation batteries made new progress. The two parties will continue to explore under the IPCEI (Major Projects of Common Interest in Europe) framework to achieve major breakthroughs in battery cell technology.

The "new generation" model series will have three main characteristics: a completely redesigned IT and software architecture, a new generation of high-performance electric drive systems and batteries, and a new sustainable concept throughout the entire vehicle life cycle. Based on this, the new car will be equipped with a new generation of electric drive system, which will be based on a newly developed, highly integrated, high-voltage power battery concept with optimized cell design. This unique combination will bring a major leap in terms of low energy consumption for "new generation" models, achieving a cruising range and manufacturing cost comparable to the most advanced internal combustion engines.

The BMW Group believes that high-performance and sustainable energy storage systems are key factors for the development of personal travel in the future. Therefore, to develop high-performance batteries and battery value chains, innovative batteries with sustainable characteristics are indispensable. In the process of developing the sixth-generation BMW eDrive electric drive technology, the BMW Group evaluated the cell structure, chemical composition and cell modules to create truly green, low-carbon, and recyclable batteries.

Release solid-state battery prototype cars before 2025

Mr. Wei Bofan, Director of the BMW Group, said: “From design to use and recycling, the BMW Group is committed to creating the greenest electric vehicles that are sustainable throughout the life cycle. Currently, we are developing future batteries. The batteries are powerful and powerful. Safer, cheaper, and recyclable. At the same time, we are conducting in-depth research on solid-state battery technology. Before 2030, we will equip mass-produced cars with solid-state batteries. Before that, we will launch the first one by 2025 Prototype cars using this technology."

With years of exploration in the field of new energy, the BMW Group has a deep technical reserve in the complete value chain of electric drive technology, and has realized the generation-by-generation optimization of battery cell technology. From the third-generation electric drive technology applied in the BMW i3 to the fifth-generation BMW eDrive electric drive technology applied in the innovative pure electric BMW iX3, the proportion of cobalt in the cathode material has been reduced from 33% to 10%, while the content of nickel has increased to Around 80%. At the same time, about 50% of the recycled nickel is used in the innovative BMW iX high-voltage power battery. In the future, the BMW Group will continue to promote the development of electric drive technology. By 2030, the BMW Group expects to increase the cell energy density by 50% from the current level.

Fully launch the electrification offensive

Thanks to the smart car architecture and highly flexible production network, by 2023, the BMW Group will provide approximately 12 pure electric models worldwide. In addition to the BMW i3, MINI COOPER SE and the innovative pure electric BMW iX3 on sale, two key innovative models of the innovative pure electric BMW i4 and the innovative BMW iX will also be launched on the market. In the next few years, pure electric versions of BMW 5 Series, BMW X1, BMW 7 Series and other models will be launched one after another. In 2023, the BMW Group expects that pure electric vehicles will cover approximately 90% of the market segment.

It is estimated that from now to 2025, the annual sales of BMW Group's pure electric models will increase by more than 50% annually; in 2025, the BMW Group will sell more than 10 times the number of pure electric vehicles in 2020, and complete the 2 millionth pure electric model. deliver.

Based on current market expectations, the BMW Group expects that by 2030, at least 50% of its global sales will be pure electric vehicles. The company expects to sell approximately 10 million pure electric vehicles worldwide in the next ten years, which means that the BMW Group is contributing to the global goal of carbon neutrality.