For production of its sixth-generation high-voltage batteries, BMW is setting up five new assembly sites around the world: in Irlbach-Straßkirchen, Germany; Debrecen, Hungary; Shenyang, China; San Luis Potosí, Mexico; and Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The cylindrical cells will first be used for the production of BMW’s Neue Klasse line of EVs, set to launch in 2025.
BMW says the new batteries offer major advances in energy density, charging time and range. The company is already producing prototype battery cells at its Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre in Parsdorf near Munich, and the batteries will be assembled in new facilities located as close as possible to the company’s new vehicle plants.
Construction of the battery plant at Irlbach-Straßkirchen, Germany, began in June. Plans call for battery and vehicle manufacturing to launch in parallel in 2025 in Debrecen, Hungary. Beginning in 2026, the new generation of EVs will also be made by BMW Brilliance Automotive in Shenyang, China, and batteries will be manufactured locally. BMW has established R&D facilities in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang and Nanjing.
At San Luis Potosí, Mexico, a battery assembly plant was started in May, and series production of vehicles is slated to commence in 2027. And in South Carolina, BMW’s Woodruff plant, expected to be completed in 2026, will provide the batteries for EVs made in nearby Plant Spartanburg.
“Close connection of battery production with vehicle production is part of our strategy,” said Markus Fallböhmer, Senior VP of Battery Production at BMW.
Source: BMW
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Author Marilyn Burkley
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