The global automotive industry is taking a decisive step towards full electrification, and the German group BMW is marking a turning point in its energy transition strategy. The Munich-based manufacturer has officially started series production of the new generation of batteries known as Gen6. Originally manufactured in Europe, the new batteries have now also entered production in China, at the industrial complex in Shenyang, representing the piece de resistance for the upcoming Neue Klasse electric vehicle range.
The Gen6 technological leap: Cylindrical cells and "cell-to-pack" design
The new generation of Gen6 batteries was designed from the ground up to meet the most demanding requirements for efficiency, autonomy and charging speed, and is intended for the new BMW and Mini electric models.
● Significantly higher performance: Compared to the previous Gen5 generation, the new batteries use innovative cylindrical cells that provide 20% higher energy density. At the same time, both vehicle range and charging speed are significantly improved by up to 30%.
● Cell-to-Pack architecture: A key element of this technology is the abandonment of the classic format with intermediate modules. The cylindrical cells are integrated directly into the main battery housing. This design allows for a much more efficient use of the available space in the car floor and offers increased flexibility in integration on various vehicle architectures.
The manufacturing of the new Gen6 batteries follows a well-established global strategy, designed to bring production centers closer to major markets.
● The Shenyang plant (China) has become the third site in the world to produce these high-performance batteries, after the European plants in Debrecen (Hungary) and Irlbach-Strasskirchen (Germany).
● The massive investments in China are aimed at directly supporting local launches for models in the Neue Klasse family, such as future versions adapted for the Asian market (including the i3 and iX3 variants).
● The expansion plans do not stop there, as the German manufacturer is already preparing to start production of Gen6 batteries at its plants in the United States and Mexico, thus completing its industrial presence on three continents.
The decision to produce high-tech batteries outside European borders, such as in China, is not a random one, but responds to complex economic, industrial and legislative considerations:
1. Energy costs: In recent years, Europe has faced a structural competitiveness deficit due to significantly higher energy prices compared to other regions of the world. In countries such as China, the cost of industrial utilities and the energy required for energy-intensive battery production processes is substantially lower, protecting manufacturer profit margins.
2. Supply chain proximity: China is home to the world's largest suppliers of raw materials and battery chemicals (including strategic brand partners). Local production eliminates the huge logistics costs and risks associated with international transport of hazardous substances and high-capacity batteries.
3. Regulatory framework and speed of implementation: Industrial regulations and the speed with which large energy infrastructure and manufacturing projects can be authorised and expanded provide a clear competitive advantage in Asia.
4. Massive market: China is the largest single market for electric vehicles in the world. Local battery production allows for a perfect synergy between cell factories, vehicle assembly plants and local consumer preferences, while avoiding potential tariff barriers or geopolitical risks related to the import of critical components.
By operationalizing the battery plant in Shenyang, BMW is completing the cycle of localizing the three essential components of its sixth-generation electric drive system (motors, power electronics and batteries) directly in its largest market. This approach allows the German brand to maintain competitive prices, shorten delivery times and offer record ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometers in real-world road tests, strengthening its position in the face of fierce Asian competition.