BMW's next-generation electric drive system makes a comprehensive debut—large cylindrical batteries are set to power the vehicles soon.

On February 21, BMW Group unveiled its next-generation electric drive technology for the first time in a comprehensive manner, highlighting key innovations such as BMW’s advanced large cylindrical battery technology and the all-new 800V high-voltage platform that supports ultra-fast charging. The debut of BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive electric drive system not only equips the new-generation models with outstanding advantages across every dimension—ranging from extended range and lightning-fast charging to enhanced battery safety and superior vehicle efficiency—but also ushers in a new era of electrifying driving pleasure.

It is understood that BMW's sixth-generation power battery innovatively adopts large cylindrical cells for the first time, featuring a standard diameter of 46 millimeters and two height options—95 mm and 120 mm. This next-generation battery will leverage a brand-new 800V high-voltage platform, enabling fast charging that can add 300 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes, significantly enhancing the customer charging experience. Moreover, the cutting-edge cells and a fresh design concept will deliver substantial improvements to BMW's future products: energy density will increase by 20%, range will grow by 30%, and charging speed will improve by 30%.

Officially, BMW's sixth-generation power battery features a completely new structural design concept. It employs the "cell-to-pack" approach, directly integrating large cylindrical cells into the battery pack. Additionally, leveraging "pack-to-open-body" technology, the battery pack is seamlessly integrated with the vehicle’s body structure, enabling flexible incorporation into the chassis designs of various models.

Notably, the sixth-generation power battery, which features BMW's large cylindrical cells, can be flexibly integrated into a variety of vehicle models. It will first debut in this year’s upcoming next-generation flagship model, as well as in domestically produced next-gen vehicles slated for mass production starting in 2026—and will subsequently be widely adopted across other all-electric models, including future all-electric M series vehicles. Meanwhile, BMW has developed a highly intelligent "control hub" specifically tailored for the sixth-generation power battery: the "BMW Energy Master System." This cutting-edge system ensures safer and smarter operation of the battery pack. The new central control unit, independently developed by BMW and strategically positioned atop the battery pack, boasts enhanced integration capabilities. It provides comprehensive oversight of both high- and low-voltage power systems, along with real-time monitoring of critical battery data. At the same time, it intelligently and precisely regulates energy delivery to the electric motor and the vehicle’s overall electrical architecture, seamlessly optimizing both performance and energy efficiency.

"The Energy Intelligence Control System" supports remote, real-time upgrades of the vehicle's entire software system, continuously enhancing the customer experience. The "BMW Energy Intelligence Control System" integrates multiple innovative technologies and has already been patented, including intelligent safety electronic fuses. This system will begin production this August at BMW's Landshut plant.

Thanks to breakthroughs in the sixth-generation eDrive electric drive technology, BMW's new-generation models achieve a 20% improvement in overall vehicle efficiency compared to existing all-electric models, setting a new benchmark in both efficiency and driving pleasure. In the future, customers will also have the flexibility to choose from "single-motor," "dual-motor," "three-motor," or even "four-motor" configurations based on their specific needs and preferences, offering an even wider range of powertrain options.

It is also reported that the sixth-generation power battery project successfully kicked off trial production at BMW's Shenyang manufacturing base by the end of 2024. The prototype batteries have already been delivered to the R&D team for testing and validation, and trial production of the first next-generation vehicle model is expected very soon. BMW's sixth-generation power batteries are set to enter mass production in China in 2026, redefining the technological boundaries of power battery industrialization.

Translated from Sina Auto

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