BMW Group has recently announced a partnership with Rimac Technology to develop and produce high-voltage battery technologies for future BMW Group models. The specifics of the collaboration are currently limited, but the batteries produced will power BMW Group vehicles arriving in the second half of the decade.
The partnership with BMW Group marks a significant moment for Rimac Technology, a part of Rimac Group. The company is transitioning into becoming a “high-volume Tier 1 supplier” for battery-electric vehicles, as stated by BMW. Mate Rimac, the founder of the company, expressed on Facebook the special significance of this deal due to the complexity and advancement of the product, the size of the agreed deal, and the trust placed in Rimac by BMW.
Mate Rimac’s journey in the electric vehicle sector began in 2008 when he converted a 1984 E30-generation BMW 3-Series to fully electric drive. This project was pivotal in launching Rimac as a major innovator in the industry. In addition to leading his own company, he also oversees Bugatti, showcasing his impressive career progression. Rimac has already allocated a significant portion of its Croatia campus to BMW battery production and is planning a new factory due to space constraints. This contract with BMW could potentially be the largest in Croatia’s history.
Rimac, with 15 years of experience, introduced its first concept, the Concept One, at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. This paved the way for the production of the Nevera in 2022, following the collaboration with Bugatti to form Bugatti-Rimac. The company is currently working on a hybrid V-16 engine for the Chiron successor, showcasing the continuous innovation and advancement within the company.
BMW highlighted Rimac’s expertise in producing battery packs, e-axles, and software in their announcement. While the full extent of the partnership is still unknown, both companies are set to release more information at a later stage. This collaboration between BMW and Rimac holds promise for the development of cutting-edge battery technologies for future BMW Group vehicles.
The partnership between BMW Group and Rimac Technology sets the stage for advancements in high-voltage battery technologies for electric vehicles. As both companies continue to innovate and collaborate, consumers can anticipate the introduction of state-of-the-art battery solutions in BMW Group models. With Rimac’s expertise and BMW’s reputation, this partnership has the potential to drive significant progress in the electric vehicle industry.