BMW has newly added Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution as battery cell suppliers for its next-generation electric vehicle, the ‘Neue Klasse.’
According to a report on the 9th (local time) by German EV-focused outlet electrive, BMW Group has added the two companies to its sixth-generation (Gen6) high-voltage battery cell supply chain. Samsung SDI will supply cells from its existing European plant, and LG Energy Solution from the United States. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the late 2020s.
BMW expanded its suppliers in line with its “local for local” principle of sourcing components in the regions where it builds cars. “Diversifying procurement is at the core of our purchasing strategy,” said Nicolai Martin, BMW board member for purchasing and supplier network. “With our battery cell partnerships, we are strengthening value creation in Europe and the United States.” As a result, BMW’s European cell suppliers have grown to three—CATL, EVE Energy and Samsung SDI—while LG Energy Solution will handle the United States.
The outlet reported that Samsung SDI operates a plant in Göd, Hungary. It also offered the analysis that this indirectly confirms a 2023 speculation that the plant would produce 46120-format cells for BMW. However, BMW’s announcement did not specify the cell format or production site.
The Gen6 battery uses large cylindrical cells with a diameter of 46 mm and heights of 95 mm and 120 mm. BMW said their energy density is about 20% higher than that of existing prismatic cells. The chemistry of the cells the two companies will supply has not been disclosed. The outlet reported that BMW plans to apply not only nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) but also some lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in the Neue Klasse.
※ This article was written by citing a report from Germany’s electrive dated November 9 (local time).