BMW Group announced that starting from its next-generation EV platform "Neue Klasse," the sixth-generation BMW eDrive platform will fully transition to self-designed 46-series large cylindrical cells, replacing the previously used prismatic cells. CATL and EVE Energy have become core suppliers, each receiving approximately 50% of the order share. Cell-level volumetric energy density increases by over 20% compared to the fifth generation, and paired with an 800V high-voltage platform, range improves by 30% and charging speed by 30%. The first Neue Klasse model will begin production in Shenyang in 2026.
Technology Transition: From Prismatic to 46-Series Large Cylindrical
BMW's sixth-generation power battery abandons the prismatic cell solution used for several generations, fully transitioning to large cylindrical cells with a diameter of 46mm. The new specifications include two models — 4695 and 46120 — corresponding to heights of 95mm and 120mm respectively. The 95mm variant is designed for sedans, while the 120mm variant targets SUVs. These specifications place BMW in the same 46-series large cylindrical camp as Tesla's 4680, though with differentiated dimensions.
Compared to the fifth-generation prismatic cells, the sixth-generation large cylindrical cells achieve significant improvements across multiple dimensions:
- Volumetric energy density increased by over 20% at the cell level
- 800V high-voltage platform compatibility enabling ultra-fast charging
- Range improved by 30% for vehicles equipped with the new battery system
- Charging speed increased by 30% significantly reducing 10%-80% charging time
- Higher nickel, lower cobalt cathode materials — reducing costs while boosting energy density
- Increased silicon content in the anode — further improving capacity
| Technical Dimension | Gen 5 (Prismatic) | Gen 6 (46-Series Cylindrical) | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Format | Prismatic | 46mm diameter cylindrical | — |
| Energy Density | Baseline | 20%+ higher | +20%+ |
| Voltage Platform | 400V | 800V | 2x |
| Range | Baseline | 30% improvement | +30% |
| Charging Speed | Baseline | 30% improvement | +30% |
| Cobalt Content | Higher | Reduced | Decrease |
Large cylindrical cells offer inherent advantages over prismatic cells: single-cell thermal runaway containment without propagation, dimensional stability during charge/discharge cycles, high production automation enabling cost economics, and multi-cell parallel redundancy for reliability.
Supply Chain Restructuring: Dual-Core Supply from CATL and EVE
The core characteristic of BMW's battery supply chain restructuring is "self-designed, outsourced production" — BMW leads on cell chemistry formulation, specifications, pack design, and battery management technology, while delegating cell manufacturing to specialized battery producers. Packs are assembled near vehicle production facilities.
CATL and EVE Energy have become core cell suppliers for BMW's Neue Klasse platform, each receiving approximately 50% of the order share, creating a dual-core supply structure:
- CATL: Signed a long-term cooperation agreement with BMW in September 2022 to supply cylindrical batteries from two battery plants in China and Europe, each with 20GWh annual capacity. Starting from 2026, CATL will successively supply cylindrical batteries for BMW's Neue Klasse architecture EVs globally.
- EVE Energy: Subsidiary Hubei EVE Power received BMW's designated supplier letter in September 2022. The Shenyang base (40GWh) began trial production in June 2025 and is ramping up in 2026, dedicated to the Chinese market. The Debrecen, Hungary base (30GWh) is planned for production by end of 2026, supplying BMW's European plants. Full-year 2026 delivery target is 12-15GWh, corresponding to approximately 150,000-200,000 Neue Klasse vehicles.
- AESC / Envision (US market): Reached cooperation with BMW in October 2022, building a 30GWh zero-carbon battery plant in South Carolina under a "local-for-local" strategy, supplying the nearby Spartanburg vehicle assembly plant.
Industry analysis estimates BMW's large cylindrical battery order is valued at 70 billion yuan, representing one of the largest single investment projects in BMW's history.
Production Timeline and Vehicle Rollout
Mass production of BMW Neue Klasse large cylindrical batteries is progressing steadily:
From Q3 2025: EVE Energy began supplying 4695/46120 large cylindrical batteries to BMW Neue Klasse models (such as the new iX3) through the Shenyang base (trial production) and Jingmen base (full production), entering mass supply phase.
2026: The first Neue Klasse model begins production in Shenyang, tailored to Chinese consumer preferences. CATL begins successive delivery of cylindrical batteries. EVE Energy's Shenyang base produces approximately 0.5-0.8GWh monthly, with a full-year target of 12-15GWh.
End of 2026: EVE Energy's Hungary plant is planned for production, supplying BMW's European facilities.
2027: Envision's South Carolina plant is expected to begin production for the North American market.
The new iX3 is estimated to use 46120 large cylindrical cells with a usable pack capacity of approximately 107.9kWh, with real-world range potentially exceeding 1,000km under specific conditions. The sixth-generation eDrive adopts a front asynchronous + rear excited synchronous motor configuration, with maximum horsepower expected to reach 600hp.
Industry Impact: The Year of Large Cylindrical Battery Mass Production
BMW's 46-series large cylindrical cell rollout is regarded as a bellwether for the automotive power battery industry. 2025 is considered the critical turning point when large cylindrical batteries transition from technology validation to mass production. By the first half of 2025, global 46-series large cylindrical battery planned capacity exceeded 6 billion cells.
Beyond BMW, Tesla, NIO, Volkswagen, GM, and JAC have all laid out plans in the large cylindrical battery space. On the battery supplier side, CATL, EVE Energy, BYD, Envision, Zenergy, Gotion, Lishen, BAK, Panasonic, and LG Energy Solution have all entered the large cylindrical赛道. According to EVTank data, global large cylindrical battery actual shipments in 2024 were 100 million cells, with demand expected to exceed 381GWh in 2026 and market scale reaching 190.5 billion yuan.
BMW CEO Oliver Zipse once commented on the new-generation iX3: "This will be the benchmark of the industry." As 46-series large cylindrical cells enter mass production, this assessment is gradually becoming reality.
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