The automotive industry is currently experiencing a shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), with different manufacturers navigating these changes in various ways. One such manufacturer, BMW, has seen success in this market with the delivery of their i4, iX1, and i7 models increasing by 41% in the first quarter of the year. Looking towards the future, BMW has partnered with Rimac Technology to co-develop and co-produce innovative solutions in the field of high-voltage battery technology for selected battery-electric vehicles.
**Partnership with Rimac Technology**
The partnership between BMW and Rimac Technology signifies a shift towards mainstream development, with Rimac Technology being a well-established EV engineering supplier for various automakers. This collaboration will involve the development of high-voltage battery packs and architectures for future BMW products. The project is expected to be the largest and most ambitious one undertaken by Rimac Technology to date, with a goal of supplying at least 100,000 batteries to OEMs annually by 2026.
**Rimac’s EV Platform 46XX**
Rimac had been working on an EV platform called 46XX for at least two years, utilizing 46-millimeter cells. This platform serves as the basis for most of their future programs and had already been integrated into their production process. BMW signed a multi-billion-euro deal with Chinese battery cell supplier Eve Energy to provide 46-mm batteries for their European EVs, extending an existing deal for the China-market products. Rimac and Eve also partnered for Rimac’s 46XX platform, with Eve providing the cells for European production.
**Future Plans for BMW and Rimac**
Although the Neue Klasse vehicles are not part of the initial Rimac partnership, BMW and Rimac are expected to work on EV components further down the line. This collaboration could potentially lead to the development of packs and platforms for BMW’s sixth-generation EV drivetrains and technologies. The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to innovate in the EV space and meet the growing demand for electric vehicles.
**Impact on the Automotive Industry**
The partnership between BMW and Rimac Technology highlights the increasing importance of high-voltage battery technology in the EV market. As more automakers shift towards electric vehicles, collaborations between established manufacturers and innovative suppliers like Rimac are crucial for driving progress in the industry. By working together on advanced battery solutions and EV platforms, BMW and Rimac are positioning themselves for success in the evolving automotive landscape.