The value chain represents a key factor for the massification of electromobility on a global scale. Major automotive manufacturers are not only focusing their efforts on the production of vehicles, but are also allocating significant resources to batteries and other elements.
BMW is one of the brands that is laying the foundations for the new generation of batteries for its future models. The company will invest more than 2 billion euros by 2025 in the Hungarian factory in Debrecen to produce high-voltage batteries that improve the range and charging speed of vehicles by 30%.
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Key Figures
BMW‘s initial planned investment in the factory was €1 billion, but this amount has been doubled by also including the assembly of the batteries, an activity that will create some 500 jobs in addition to the 1,000 jobs envisaged in the original plan.
The company also estimates that the new production facility, which will cover an area of around 140,000 square meters, will start operations by the end of 2025.
With its next generation of batteries, which will be incorporated into the new ‘Neue Klasse’ models, BMW expects to improve both vehicle range and charging speed by up to 30%.
BMW Group Head of Production, Milan Nedeljkovic assured that in Debrecen they are building “the most advanced plant in the world”. “With our iFactory we are setting new industrial standards for vehicle production.”
He stressed that the investments demonstrate the company’s systematic approach to implementing electric mobility through technology and specialized human resources.
Latin America on Agenda
During 2022, BMW has intensified its involvement in Latin America, in terms of driving zero-emission vehicles.
In Chile, for example, the German company’s short-term goal is that all its combustion models will also be available in a hybrid or electric version. In this line, they estimate that by 2023 it will launch six new electrified models in the country and the region.
The brand emphasizes that it will offer different electric vehicles from its portfolio to make the best technology available to its customers.
The MINI Cooper SE can be cited as an example of success, as it leads total sales of electric vehicles in Colombia and is one of the favorites in Mexico and Brazil.
