The BMW Group Has in the factory Steyr (Austria) the Series production of the sixth generation of electrical drive machines (Gen6) started. These electric motors are the heart of the coming New class models and should go through More efficiency, less weight and lower costs set new standards.
BMW invests by 2030 one billion euros in the development and manufacture of the gene6 electromotors at the Steyr location. This makes the traditional engine plant, which has been producing combustion engines for over 40 years, the central production facility for electric drives in the global BMW network.
Technology jump for more efficiency
The gene6 engines are based on one 800-Volt architecture and rely on the latest Silicon carbide hauler in the inverter. This is integrated directly into the engine housing and efficiently converts the direct current of the high -voltage battery into alternating current for the engine.
According to the BMW, there are impressive improvements compared to the previous gene5 technology:
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40 % less energy losses
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20 % lower costs
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10 % less weight
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Up to 20 % higher overall efficiency in the vehicle
In combination with a powerful high -voltage battery, the future should BMW IX3 50 XDrive A reach of Up to 800 km (WLTP) to reach.
Production in Europe - flexibility through modular concept
All core components of the gene6 drive- Rotor, stator, gear and inverter - are manufactured directly in the Steyr plant. The Aluminum housing comes from the foundry at the Landshut plant and is processed in Steyr.
The Modular modular principle BMW enables various drive variants to manufacture for the entire new-class model range. Advantages:
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High flexibility At production volumes
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Scale effects To reduce costs
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Short delivery routes Within Europe
Jobs and future security
Around 1,000 employees Work in E-motor assembly in Steyr in the future. Depending on the global demand could be done by 2030 Half of the workforce be active in e-mobility.
BMW emphasizes that Steyr continues to produce internal combustion engines - the location remains that "Heart of drive competence" for both types of drive.
Conclusion
With the start of production of the Gen6-electric motors BMW takes a crucial step towards an electrical future. The combination of high efficiency, modular production concept and European production not only strengthens the new class, but also competitiveness in the global e-car market.
Image source: BMW
