How does a 620-mile EV driving range sound? If that sounds enticing, you’ll be excited about the upcoming BMW EV battery tech. The next step in this process is to build batteries that will offer longer driving ranges. BMW expects its new Gen6 cylindrical cells to provide longer driving ranges than any other EV battery currently built.

What battery does BMW use for EVs?

Currently, BMW uses its Gen5 battery packs in EV models. These battery packs are effective and offer competitive driving ranges for BMW vehicles. For example, the BMW i4 eDrive40 has a 365-mile driving range on the WLTP cycle. The M50 model achieves 315 miles of driving range. In both cases, the EPA range is slightly less but still competitive.

When will this new BMW EV battery tech hit the market?

Inside EVs tells us the new BMW Gen6 battery cells should arrive in 2025. The current prismatic cells, which are flat, will be replaced by the new cylindrical cells that should offer at least 620 miles of electric driving range. This is only one advantage expected with these new cells.

Could the new Gen6 batteries be lighter?

Yes, the new cell shape allows the upcoming Gen6 batteries to be 10 to 20 percent lighter than the current Gen5 battery packs. This gives BMW owners a thinner battery pack that might serve as part of the body structure of the vehicle.

Will these new BMW batteries charge faster?

Yes, part of the advantages of this new BMW EV battery tech is faster charging times. These times could improve by as much as 30 percent and support 270 kW fast charging. This might be the push needed to move more consumers toward EVs.

How do BMW batteries perform over time?

The expected performance requirement of EV batteries in the United States is to maintain at least 80 percent performance over ten years. BMW claims their EV battery tech already exceeds this performance, and the new Gen6 batteries should do even better.

How much does it cost to replace a BMW electric car battery?

Replacing EV batteries is an expensive undertaking. Much like replacing a car engine, batteries can be one of the most costly replacement parts a consumer faces during the ownership of an EV. Recent numbers from Green Cars show replacing the BMW i3 battery costs nearly $13,500. Compared to the Nissan Leafe at $6,200, that’s more than double the price.

What is BMW doing to bring the Gen6 EV battery tech to the market?

BMW is opening six new battery factories to build the new Gen6 battery cells. This investment should offer reduced manufacturing costs. Current predictions provide a nearly 50 percent drop in the cost of building these new batteries.

Will these new BMW batteries push more consumers toward EVs?

Future BMW EVs with these new Gen6 battery packs could entice many consumers. These models could offer the benefits of:

• Longer driving range
• Shorter charging times
• Lighter overall weight
• Lower price

All four of these qualities are certainly enticing for any vehicle, especially EVs.

Learn more about the new BMW EV battery tech in the video below: