BMW has officially launched mass production of its sixth-generation high-voltage batteries at its facility in Shenyang, China. The project represents a total investment of ¥10 billion, or approximately $1.49 billion, and covers a floor area of 240,000 square meters.
The Shenyang site is the third global location for Gen 6 battery production, following facilities in Hungary and Germany. The plant integrates large cylindrical cells, 800-volt architecture, and the proprietary Energy Master control system, which is also manufactured locally.
During a recent road test, a long-wheelbase Neue Klasse i3 50L equipped with a 113.4-kWh battery covered 1,213 km on a single charge. The vehicle recorded an energy consumption rate of 8.8 kWh per 100 km and reached its destination with 1% battery remaining.
The new batteries will initially power the Neue Klasse iX3 and i3 models in China. Deliveries of the China-exclusive long-wheelbase iX3 are set to begin in November, with pre-orders already open at a starting price of ¥269,900.
