SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 24, 2025 – BMW is setting a new standard in electric vehicle technology with the unveiling of its sixth-generation eDrive system, featuring groundbreaking 800V technology, set to debut in the highly anticipated Neue Klasse models. This leap forward was showcased at the Tech Days event in Landshut, where BMW provided an in-depth look at the development and production of their next-generation high-voltage batteries and electric drive systems.
Technological Advancements in Electric Drive
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – February 20, 2025… BMW is presenting its next leap forward in the field of electric drive technology – and in the process ushering in a new era of all-electric driving. At the Tech Days event in Landshut, the company has provided some initial insights into the development and production of high-voltage batteries and electric drive systems using the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology. Every fully electric Neue Klasse vehicle will enjoy the benefits. The first Neue Klasse model will go into series production later this year at Plant Debrecen in Hungary. Below is an overview of the technology highlights:
The cornerstone of this innovation is the Energy Master, an intelligent central control unit developed and produced at Plant Landshut. This unit manages the high-voltage battery, ensuring efficient and safe operation. The new high-voltage battery concept, utilizing BMW’s cylindrical cells, promises a significant boost in energy density, charging speed, and range, with improvements of up to 30% in charging speed and range compared to previous generations.
BMW is also demonstrating a technology-open approach by incorporating both Synchronous (SSM) and Asynchronous (ASM) electric motor types, offering flexibility and efficiency. A modular approach to electric motor production allows BMW to adapt quickly to varying market demands.
A Technology-Open Path to Electric Mobility
“For BMW, 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,” explains Dr. Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Purchasing and Supplier Network. “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.”
Enhanced Battery Technology and Charging Capabilities
The sixth-generation eDrive technology (Gen6) brings substantial enhancements, including faster charging and increased range, with some models exceeding the 30% improvement mark. The 800V technology enables bidirectional charging as a standard feature, allowing for more versatile energy management. The new, slimmer battery design facilitates integration across various vehicle models, with the battery acting as a structural component in the Neue Klasse vehicles, using a “pack-to-open-body” and “cell-to-pack” approach.
The Intelligent Heart: BMW Energy Master
The BMW Energy Master acts as the central control unit, managing power supply and data from the high-voltage battery. Developed entirely in-house, this unit ensures technological updates can be implemented via Remote Software Upgrades, providing continuous improvements for customers.
"Local for Local" Production and Supplier Network
BMW is adopting a “local for local” approach for high-voltage battery assembly, with new production facilities near vehicle plants in key regions, including Irlbach-Straßkirchen, Debrecen, Shenyang, San Luis Potosí, and Woodruff. This strategy ensures production stability and strengthens local economies. The “cell-to-pack” and “pack-to-open-body” principles are central to the production process, with cylindrical cells directly integrated into the battery housing.
Global Expertise and Production
Pilot plants in Parsdorf, Hallbergmoos, and Munich are crucial for developing and testing production processes before global rollout. The Energy Master will be produced at Plant Landshut, supplying all global assembly plants. Electric motors will be manufactured at Plant Steyr in Austria, which also serves as a development center for electric drive systems.
Plant Landshut: A Hub of Innovation
Plant Landshut is undergoing significant expansion to produce the Energy Master, with series production beginning in August 2025. “As the company’s largest in-house component manufacturer, Landshut plays an important role for the Neue Klasse,” says Dr. Joachim Post. “The plant is an innovation hub and a driver of transformation.” The modular manufacturing system, designed in-house, ensures efficiency and scalability.
Sustainable Recycling Practices
BMW is committed to sustainable practices, partnering with SK tes for battery recycling, recovering valuable materials like cobalt, nickel, and lithium. The company is also exploring direct recycling methods through a joint venture with Encory, establishing a competence center for battery cell recycling in Lower Bavaria.
Next-Generation Electric Drive Systems
BMW continues to utilize electrically excited synchronous motors (EESM) and introduces asynchronous motors (ASM) for the Gen6 powertrain. The EESM technology has been significantly upgraded, with improvements in rotor, stator, and inverter design. The ASM technology offers a more compact and cost-effective solution.
Performance and Efficiency Gains
The Gen6 powertrain achieves substantial improvements, with a 40% reduction in energy losses, 20% cost reduction, and 10% weight reduction compared to Gen5 xDrive models. This results in a 20% overall vehicle efficiency gain for the Neue Klasse.
Modular Manufacturing and Production in Steyr
The modular concept for the Gen6 electric drive system enables flexible manufacturing across the Neue Klasse model range. Series production will begin at Plant Steyr in summer 2025, with an annual capacity of 600,000 electric drive units.
Thermal Management and Component Manufacturing
Advanced thermal management systems, developed at Plant Steyr, ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Plant Landshut continues to be a crucial component manufacturer, investing in its light metal foundry and developing innovative manufacturing processes.
BMW Group in the United States
BMW’s presence in the U.S. includes manufacturing, sales, and technology development, with Plant Spartanburg serving as the global center for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The company’s activities support over 120,000 jobs and contribute significantly to the U.S. economy.
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