Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) has started series production of its sixth-generation (Gen6) high-voltage batteries in Shenyang, China. The Shenyang facility marks the third in BMW's global network to produce this new battery technology. It follows plants in Debrecen, Hungary, and Irlbach-Straßkirchen, Germany. This move supports BMW's "local-for-local" strategy, which aims to produce key components near vehicle assembly plants to enhance supply chain resilience.
Gen6 batteries use new cylindrical cells. These batteries will power BMW's next-generation "Neue Klasse" electric vehicles. The technology reportedly offers over 20% higher energy density compared to the previous generation. It also improves charging speed by up to 30%. Vehicle range also increases by up to 30%. Local production in Shenyang will directly supply future Neue Klasse models built in China, a crucial market for the automaker.