German car manufacturer BMW has officially announced the launch of mass production for its sixth-generation traction batteries at its innovative facility in Shenyang, China. This project has become one of the company's largest investment steps in the Asian region in recent years, requiring an injection of 10 billion yuan. The total area of the new production complex reached an impressive 240,000 square meters, which is immediately five times larger than the brand's previous assembly facilities dedicated to battery production.
New Production Cluster in Shenyang
The launch of this giant plant marks a strategic transition by the automaker toward the production of fundamentally new, large cylindrical battery cells. This component is the cornerstone of the next-generation electric vehicle architecture from the Bavarian brand. The integration of the enterprise into the local ecosystem means that all three key elements of BMW's sixth-generation electric drive are now produced directly within China, significantly optimizing supply chains and reducing the cost of the final product.
Record Tests and Real-World Range
Alongside the opening of the plant, the concern shared staggering results from road tests of a new modification of the BMW i3 electric vehicle equipped with the advanced battery. During a real-world driving test, the car managed to cover a phenomenal 1,213 kilometers without a single recharge. Upon completion of this massive journey, the onboard computer recorded a remaining charge of 1% for the battery pack with a total capacity of 113.4 kWh, confirming the highest energy efficiency of the powertrain.
Technological Features and Prospects
The new generation of batteries is designed to operate as part of an 800-volt high-voltage architecture, which not only provides a huge driving range but also significantly reduces subsequent energy replenishment time. BMW's strategy also implies a deeper integration of cells and auxiliary powertrain components into the overall body structure. This opens up new horizons for the development of the concern's entire lineup of electric cars on the global market in the coming years.
