In a bid to fortify its foothold in the electric vehicles industry, the German automobile behemoth, BMW has recently announced a USD 240 Million investment in its Munich based ‘Battery Cell Competence Center’. Reportedly, the investment would be utilized to enhance the company’s next-gen electric vehicle powertrain technology.
Reportedly, under this venture, BMW would analyze cell technology and cell design, focus on the chemical composition of cells, build new prototypes of future battery cells, evaluate how the cells behave at low temperatures, examine the cell sizes, and the charging behavior of cells. The company aims to evolve its expertise and competence in battery design by transforming its production process right from testing, packaging and weatherproofing to the extent of its cell chemistry technology.
Regarding this move, Klaus Frohlich, member of the BMW Board of Management, was quoted stating that the latest investment would be directed toward their high-tech competence center to consolidate the in-house expertise along with the battery cell value chain. He further commented that the company would set the benchmark for the electric vehicles industry by conducting important research to hone cell design and cell chemistry, which would facilitate improvements in battery lifespan, performance, charging, safety, and would lower costs.
With the automotive and transportation industry gearing up for the electric revolution and the consequently burgeoning demand for high-performance battery cells, the optimal management of battery cells supply holds a significant importance, which otherwise, could adversely impact the growth of electric vehicles industry in the longer run. While BMW exhibits a remarkable investment record in battery pack technology, this move so far, is allegedly its most important endeavor in battery cell technology, cite experts.
The latest facility would comprise 200 employees who would work toward the company’s aim to advance the existing battery cell technology and initiate it into the manufacturing process.