February 27, 2025 – During last week’s 2025 Landshut Technology Days, BMW Group unveiled its sixth-generation eDrive technology, incorporating large cylindrical battery cells and a new 800V high-voltage platform supporting ultra-fast charging. This cutting-edge technology will initially be employed in the brand-new Neue Klasse model, with plans to expand it to the entire range of BMW’s electric vehicles.
Milan Nedeljković, BMW Group’s board member responsible for production, stated, “In our electric transformation, BMW strives to deliver an electric driving experience that combines uniqueness with sporty aesthetics. We will not compromise our brand positioning due to changes in our propulsion system.”
As part of its “local for local” strategy, Neue Klasse’s high-voltage batteries will be assembled in five new production facilities located near existing automobile plants. These facilities are situated in Ilbach-Strasskirchen, Germany; Debrecen, Hungary; Shenyang, China; San Luis Potosi, Mexico; and Woodruff, USA.
BMW claims that this new battery pack offers several advantages, including a thinner profile, faster charging capabilities, and extended range. Specifically, it boasts a 20% increase in energy density, a 30% improvement in battery life, and a 30% faster charging speed. When paired with the 800V high-voltage platform, the battery can deliver a driving range of 300 kilometers with just 10 minutes of charging.
According to BMW, the company has already commenced trial production of large cylindrical batteries, with plans for domestic mass production in 2026. To date, BMW has invested over 14 billion yuan in battery production and research facilities in China.
