A new generation of batteries have been unveiled by BMW, but did the carmaker copy Tesla’s homework?
BMW has shown off a new-generation of battery cells, which it says increases energy density by more than 20 per cent.
Set to debut on BMW’s upcoming ‘Neue Klasse’ electric vehicle platform from 2025, the carmaker claims the round battery cells – which share a striking similarity to Tesla’s '4680' batteries – also improve charging and driving range.
“The newly-developed sixth generation of our lithium-ion cells will bring a huge leap in technology that will increase energy density by more than 20 per cent, improve charging speed by up to 30 per cent and enhance range by up to 30 per cent,” Frank Weber, BMW’s head of development, said at the announcement.
That would increase driving range on the electric BMW i4 eDrive40 from 590 to 767 kilometres, or from 630km to 819km on the BMW iX xDrive50.
“We are also reducing CO2 emissions from cell production by up to 60 per cent. These are big steps for sustainability and customer benefits,” Mr Weber added.
As well as reducing CO2 emissions during cell production by 60 per cent, the German car giant says it expects production costs to be slashed by half when compared to current fifth-generation batteries.
The company said in a statement it has set itself a goal of “bringing manufacturing costs for fully-electric models down to the same level as vehicles with state-of-the-art combustion-engine technology”.
Tesla’s 4680 batteries – named after their 46mm by 80mm dimensions – were first revealed at the company’s Battery Day in September 2020, with promises of a 16 per cent improvement in driving range over technology used at the time.
According to sources from within Tesla, the production costs of its 4680 batteries are also thought to be roughly half of its current batteries.
Curiously, the new BMW round cells are also 46mm in diameter – though they are set to be manufactured in two different as-yet-unspecified heights.
Ben Zachariah is an experienced writer and motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than 15 years. Ben was previously an interstate truck driver and completed his MBA in Finance in early 2021. He is considered an expert in the area of classic car investment.
Find New cars by type
Cars for Sale by location
Copyright Drive.com.au 2022ABN: 84 116 608 158
Copyright Drive.com.au 2022ABN: 84 116 608 158
DAP Pricing– Unless otherwise stated, all prices are shown as Manufacturer's Recommended List Price (MRLP) inclusive of GST, exclusive of options and on road costs.