Genesis of mass production for electric motors of BMW's upcoming Neue Klasse electric vehicles commences

In a significant stride towards electric mobility, BMW's Austrian engine plant in Steyr is now manufacturing fully electric motors. This transition marks a new era for the plant, traditionally a combustion engine production site.

The heart of this transformation is the Gen6 electric motor, a technological marvel produced in-house at Steyr. The rotor, stator, transmission, and inverter for the Gen6 motor are all manufactured on site, showcasing BMW's commitment to self-sufficiency.

The Gen6 motor offers numerous advantages. It reduces energy loss by 40%, cuts cost by 20%, and trims weight by 10%, collectively contributing to a 20% increase in vehicle efficiency. These improvements are noteworthy, as they significantly enhance the performance and range of electric vehicles.

The Gen6 system's implementation in the BMW iX3 50 xDrive represents a significant milestone in the company's transition towards electric mobility. BMW claims a WLTP range of up to 800km for the BMW iX3 50 xDrive with the new Gen6 drive unit and a high-capacity battery pack.

The Gen6 motor incorporates new semiconductors in the inverter to enhance its efficiency. It also features a second electric motor technology called the asynchronous motor (ASM), which operates on the induction principle, differentiating it from the Gen5 motors. The Gen6 drive unit employs an 800V architecture with silicon carbide semiconductors for improved efficiency and performance.

Approximately 1000 employees at the Steyr plant are already working on electric line production, with BMW aiming for up to half the workforce to be involved in electric mobility by 2030. BMW is investing over €1 billion (nearly NZ$ 2 billion) into the Steyr facility through 2030 to establish it as the center of drivetrain expertise, combustion and electric alike.

Klaus von Moltke, BMW's Senior VP of Engine Production and head of the Steyr facility, stated that this is a firm commitment to Europe, technology, and the future. Martin Kaufmann, SVP of Global Powertrain Development, states that the new Gen6 technology brings "remarkable results" compared to the Gen5 setup.

The first model to benefit from the new Gen6 drive unit is the upcoming BMW iX3 50 xDrive. While no performance figures have been released yet, the potential for improved efficiency and range is promising. If the modular approach of the Gen6 system pays off, it could give the Neue Klasse a flexible, scalable edge in the EV arms race.

After four decades of internal combustion know-how, Steyr's electric future is officially in motion. The Gen6 motor is a testament to BMW's commitment to innovation and sustainability, and it's an exciting time for both the automaker and the electric vehicle industry.

Genesis of mass production for electric motors of BMW's upcoming Neue Klasse electric vehicles commences