There have been 200 battery breakthroughs in recent years, but so far we haven’t seen an EV that went twice as far for half the money. So we’re usually a bit skeptical about battery innovations, but in this case there’s reason to be optimistic. It is not a meaningless startup that brings the news, but BMW.
BMW has developed new battery cells that are 50 percent cheaper and contain 20 percent more energy than the current batteries. The batteries would also provide 60 percent less CO2 emissions in production. In 2025, BMW wants to use the batteries in the ‘Neue Klasse’ EVs. Your father will remember that German term.
Now BMW will never offer cheap EVs, because it remains a luxury brand. But you can imagine that the technology also ends up at Mini or even at another car brand. Moreover, it forces other automakers to come up with similar techniques as well if they want to compete. A positive development across the board.
BMW’s new EV batteries also charge faster
But BMW’s new EV batteries aren’t done with the good news — apparently they can charge 30 percent faster (probably thanks to the new 800-volt architecture). Apparently the cells have a new round shape, which means that BMW can also store more of the batteries in the EVs. With the 20 percent extra energy added, the batteries provide 30 percent more range.
The new EV batteries consist partly of recycled cobalt, lithium and nickel, while the factories that make them run on renewable energy. The cobalt and lithium mined will come from certified mines with responsible mining practices and full transparency. So without child labour, just to be clear.
#Cheaper #EVs #BMW #batteries #price #durable