BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ Electric Cars: Efficiency Gets a Boost
BMW is revving up its electric vehicle game with the ‘Neue Klasse’ series. The next generation of EVs promises a significant leap in efficiency, boasting a 20 percent improvement over current models. This enhancement stems from advancements in battery technology and overall powertrain design. Get ready for EVs that go further and charge faster.
Enhanced Battery Technology
One of the key upgrades is the shift to cylindrical battery cells, moving away from the prismatic designs found in the Gen5 system. These new cells are slimmer, allowing for more of them to be packed into the battery pack. The result? Increased energy density – a 20 percent boost, to be exact. This change aligns with BMW’s earlier commitment to a 30 percent increase in range.
Faster Charging and Smart Management
The ‘Neue Klasse’ models will also support 30 percent faster charging speeds, thanks to refinements to the central control unit, known as the BMW Energy Master. This system handles heat management and can be updated remotely, ensuring optimal performance and security.
Advanced Features and Performance
Bi-directional charging capabilities will come standard, enabling the car to act as a mobile power source for your home and potentially send energy back to the grid. The main motor, an electrically excited synchronous machine (EESM), now incorporates silicon carbide semiconductors for better efficiency.
To save space, the EESM inverter has been integrated into the motor’s housing, and a secondary asynchronous motor (ASM) is integrated on the front axle of xDrive models, resulting in a more compact design and improved efficiency.
Efficiency Gains and Future Models
Overall, the Gen6 system is engineered to lose 40 percent less energy and is 10 percent lighter than its predecessor. These improvements set the stage for the upcoming electric SUV and the electric 3 Series-inspired saloon, signaling BMW’s commitment to a greener future. BMW’s progress is significant and hints at a new era for electric driving.
