BMW Group has begun series production of its Gen6 high-voltage batteries in Shenyang, China. Following Debrecen, Hungary, and Irlbach-Straßkirchen, Germany, Shenyang is the third location in the new global production network for Gen6 battery technology. BMW says the start of production in China marks another important milestone in the technology’s global industrialisation. The high-voltage batteries produced locally will form the energy core of future Neue Klasse models built in China.
The Gen6 batteries feature cylindrical cells delivering over 20% more energy density than earlier versions. This advance enables faster charging cycles and extends driving range by up to 30%, according to the company. The new cell-to-pack concept integrates cylindrical cells directly into the battery housing, eliminating the conventional module level. This makes more efficient use of the available installation space and allows the high-voltage battery to be integrated flexibly into different vehicle models.
The Energy Master control unit, developed by BMW, plays a key role in managing power-supply and battery-management functions directly on the high-voltage battery. The company is establishing a global production network for its sixth generation of high-voltage batteries, with manufacturing locations close to vehicle plants to shorten transport routes, support stable supply, and strengthen production resilience.
Battery assembly locations in Woodruff, USA, and San Luis Potosí, Mexico, will also begin series production in the coming months. Uniform production, quality, and safety standards apply worldwide, while each location contributes its regional manufacturing and supplier expertise.
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