BMW is poised to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) industry with its cutting-edge battery design, positioning itself as a leader in the field. The German automaker’s next generation of all-electric vehicles, set to launch in 2025, will be powered by cylindrical battery cells that offer significant advantages over conventional batteries.
BMW’s new battery design boasts a 20% increase in energy capacity, which translates into a 30% increase in range. In addition, the company expects a 50% reduction in battery costs and a remarkable 60% reduction in production-related carbon emissions compared to the current generation of batteries.
While Tesla has long dominated the EV market, BMW believes it has leapfrogged its rival in terms of battery technology. Milan Nedeljkovic, head of production at BMW Group, confidently stated, “Tesla has to close the gap with us. In fact, we don’t see a gap with Tesla.”
Notably, BMW’s enthusiasm isn’t limited to batteries alone. The automaker is equally excited about its new line of electric motors, which it claims are unlike anything else on the market. Nedeljkovic emphasized the synergy between their battery design and electric motors, which he said fits perfectly with BMW’s vision of exceptional driving performance.
While BMW’s vision seems promising, there may be challenges in scaling up battery production. Even Tesla, a leader in the industry, has encountered difficulties in scaling up production of its 4680 cells, which were originally unveiled during Battery Day 2020. As Elon Musk has previously acknowledged, there are significant hurdles to bringing new technologies to mass production.
Nonetheless, BMW’s next-generation batteries demonstrate a commendable commitment to sustainability. In addition to their cylindrical format, similar to Tesla’s 4680 cells, the batteries feature a higher nickel content and reduced cobalt content, ensuring a more environmentally friendly solution. In addition, BMW aims to achieve a remarkable 95% material reuse in its high-voltage EV batteries, further strengthening its environmental credentials.
BMW’s innovative battery design raises the bar for the entire industry, leaving Tesla with considerable ground to cover. As the EV market continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how Tesla responds to BMW’s challenge.
