BMW secures its supply chain through major agreements with South Korean giants for new Gen6 batteries
German luxury carmaker BMW continues to strengthen its leadership in the transition to zero-emission mobility through wide-ranging industrial partnerships. The Munich-based company has announced new strategic agreements with South Korean giants Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution to supply high-performance cells for the brand's next-generation battery pack. The move underscores the automaker's commitment to securing supply chains and optimizing technological performance globally.
Global strategic partnership: Samsung SDI in Europe and LG Energy Solution in the US
The new development phase of BMW's electric range is based on close collaboration with established leaders in the production of battery technologies, perfectly aligned with the brand's principle of logistical efficiency.
- The “local for local” strategy: BMW consistently applies the principle of purchasing components from close proximity to production centers. Through this approach, the company manages to significantly shorten supply chains, reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and increase industrial flexibility in the face of global economic challenges.
- Regional Contract Distribution: Under the new agreements, Samsung SDI will supply battery cells for BMW’s electric vehicles sold in Europe, utilizing its advanced manufacturing hub in the region (including a new dedicated cylindrical cell line in Hungary). LG Energy Solution will supply the plants and market in the United States, complementing existing partners such as CATL and EVE Energy.
Anatomy of Gen6 Batteries: Increased Energy Density and Ultra-Fast Charging
The new contracted battery cells are part of the German group's sixth generation of high-voltage batteries (Gen6), designed to support new electric vehicle architectures.
- Transition to the cylindrical format: The manufacturer is gradually abandoning the traditional prismatic format in favor of advanced cylindrical cells (46mm type), which allow for a much higher optimization of space and total weight.
- Leading-edge technical performance: Gen6 batteries deliver an impressive technological leap, delivering 20% ??more energy density than the previous generation. At the same time, improved chemical efficiency and electrical architecture deliver a 30% faster charging speed, drastically reducing the time drivers spend at public high-power stations.
- Integrated global production: The new battery systems are assembled in dedicated factories strategically located in Germany, Hungary, the United States, China and Mexico, ensuring seamless integration between the hardware, BMW's in-house developed management software and the requirements of each individual market.
Electric BMW models present on the Romanian market
Over the past few years, the Bavarian brand's range of 100% electric vehicles has expanded considerably in Romania, offering customers a remarkable diversity of options ranging from dynamic sedans to spacious, high-performance SUVs.
- BMW i4, i5 and i7 range: The brand's electric sedans (such as the agile BMW i4, the elegant i5 and the flagship i7) continue to enjoy considerable success on the Romanian market, combining executive class comfort with top dynamic performance and extended ranges that exceed 500 kilometers in the WLTP cycle.
- Electric SUV family (iX1, iX3, iX4 and iX): The segment of vehicles with raised ground clearance is successfully represented by extremely popular compact models such as the BMW iX1, followed by dedicated versions such as the iX3 M60 xDrive or the new iX4, but also by the advanced technological SUV BMW iX, recognized for its massive use of composite materials and carbon fiber.
- Prices and positioning: In the network of authorized dealers in Romania, prices for the BMW electric range start from approximately 45,000 - 50,000 euros for entry-level models and can exceed 100,000 - 140,000 euros for high-performance versions or top-of-the-range versions equipped with comprehensive technology and luxury packages. With new investments in Gen6 cells, future models arriving in showrooms in Romania will benefit from even greater autonomy and reduced downtime at the outlet.