In a significant advancement for electric mobility, the BMW Group has introduced its sixth-generation eDrive technology, featuring an innovative 800-volt architecture. This development promises enhanced charging speeds, extended driving ranges, and a flexible modular approach to electric motor production. The inaugural Neue Klasse model, embodying this cutting-edge technology, is slated for series production later this year at BMW’s Plant Debrecen in Hungary.
Neue Klasse. Image: BMW
Key Highlights of the Sixth-Generation eDrive Technology
Intelligent Energy Management with BMW Energy Master
Central to the new high-voltage battery system is the BMW Energy Master, an intelligent control unit developed and manufactured in-house at Plant Landshut. This system optimizes energy distribution and efficiency, ensuring superior performance and reliability for the vehicle’s electric drivetrain.
BMW High-Voltage Battery and Energy Master (Gen6)
Advanced High-Voltage Battery Concept
The sixth-generation eDrive technology introduces a revolutionary high-voltage battery design, incorporating BMW’s proprietary cylindrical cells. This new configuration offers:
- Increased Energy Density: Achieving over 20% improvement compared to previous prismatic cells, allowing for more energy storage within the same volume.
- Faster Charging Capabilities: The 800-volt system enables up to a 30% reduction in charging time, facilitating quicker energy replenishment.
- Extended Driving Range: Certain models are expected to experience up to a 30% increase in range, providing drivers with greater flexibility and confidence on longer journeys.
BMW E-Engine (Gen6)
Flexible Electric Motor Production
Demonstrating a commitment to versatility, BMW’s approach to electric motor production includes:
- Diverse Motor Types: Utilization of both electrically excited synchronous motors (SSM) and asynchronous motors (ASM) to cater to varying performance requirements.
- Modular Production Strategy: This methodology grants BMW exceptional flexibility, allowing for efficient scaling and adaptation of motor production to meet diverse vehicle specifications and market demands.
Consolidated Expertise in Electric Mobility
BMW has strategically consolidated its electric mobility expertise across Bavaria and Austria, encompassing all facets of the value chain:
- Development and Engineering: Continuous innovation in electric drivetrain technology to enhance performance and efficiency.
- Procurement and Production: Establishment of high-voltage battery assembly facilities in strategic locations, including Debrecen (Hungary), Shenyang (China), Woodruff near Spartanburg (USA), and Irlbach-Straßkirchen (Lower Bavaria), ensuring proximity to vehicle manufacturing plants.
- Sustainability and Recycling: Commitment to environmentally responsible practices, including the use of cobalt- and lithium-free electric motors and the implementation of comprehensive recycling programs.
Neue Klasse. Image: BMW
Technological Advancements in the Neue Klasse
The forthcoming Neue Klasse models will benefit from several groundbreaking features:
- 800V Electrical Architecture: This system not only accelerates charging speeds by up to 30% but also allows for the addition of approximately 300 kilometers of range in just ten minutes of charging.
- Enhanced Battery Integration: The new battery design integrates seamlessly into the vehicle structure, contributing to weight reduction and improved overall efficiency.
- Bidirectional Charging Capability: Standard in all Neue Klasse models, this feature enables vehicles to supply energy back to the grid or power external devices, offering added convenience and utility to owners.
The BMW Group’s introduction of the sixth-generation eDrive technology with an 800-volt system marks a transformative milestone in electric vehicle innovation. By combining intelligent energy management, advanced battery design, flexible motor production, and a holistic approach to electric mobility, BMW is poised to set new standards in the automotive industry. The upcoming Neue Klasse models embody this technological leap, promising drivers an unparalleled blend of performance, efficiency, and sustainability.
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