Quicker charging, longer driving range, cheaper – BMW is planning to do it all with the next generation of its electric vehicles.
BMW Group revealed its sixth-generation eDrive technology, which will be utilized in every fully electric Neue Klasse (new class) vehicle it makes. The first of the Neue Klasse vehicles is expected to go into production later this year in Hungary.
The automaker provided a ton of technical information about the upcoming 800V technology – far more than I understand or care to explain, but I’ll offer some highlights.
The sixth generation eDrive is said to charge 30 per cent faster and increase range by 30 per cent over BMW’s current EV technology, with those numbers even higher on some models.
The new high-voltage architecture will be used across BMW Group’s electric product range, including its high-performance M vehicles.
The high-voltage batteries have a slimmer design, making them possible for use across a range of vehicles, regardless of vehicle height. The battery is also part of the vehicle’s body structure in Neue Klasse models. The sixth-gen eDrive will also offer bidirectional charging, meaning it can give a boost to cars low on energy.
BMW Group said the sixth-gen eDrive lowers energy losses by 40 per cent, costs by 20 per cent and weight by 10 per cent over fifth-gen technology.
BMW said the new eDrive technology is a significant factor in increasing overall vehicle efficiency by about 20 per cent, compared to current generation BMW EVs.
“For the BMW Group, electric mobility is the future and a key area of growth. We are leading the way with this drivetrain technology. At the same time, we are deliberately taking a technology-open approach, recognizing that mobility needs vary between different regions of the world,” said Joachim Post, member of the board of management of BMW AG, purchasing and supplier network, in a news release. “We want to offer our customers the best drive concept for every need. It is possible to do both: offer the best drive technology for every need and be at the forefront of electric mobility.”
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