The BMW Group Plant Steyr has recently commenced series production of the e-engine for the Neue Klasse range, marking a significant milestone for the company. This electric engine, which is part of the sixth generation of BMW eDrive (Gen6), is the first fully-electric drivetrain to be manufactured at the Steyr facility in Austria. The e-engine will be distributed throughout the production network to power the Neue Klasse vehicles.
Milan Nedeljković, a member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production, emphasized the importance of this production milestone, stating that it lays the foundation for the future of the BMW Group. Klaus von Moltke, Senior Vice President of Engine Production for BMW AG and plant director of the Steyr facility, expressed pride in delivering the electric engine, highlighting the commitment to innovation and technology.
Over the next few years, the BMW Group plans to invest over one billion euros in expanding development and production capabilities for e-drives at the Steyr location. This investment will ensure that the plant remains at the forefront of drivetrain manufacturing for the company. In addition to producing the Gen6 electric engines, the Steyr facility will continue to manufacture diesel and petrol engines, showcasing its technological versatility and commitment to long-term job security.
The Gen6 electric engine components, including the rotor, stator, transmission, and inverter, will be produced at Plant Steyr. The housing for the electric engine will be cast at Plant Landshut’s aluminum foundry and further processed in Steyr. The inverter will be manufactured in a new in-house clean-room environment, marking the facility’s foray into electrical engineering.
The production concept for the Gen6 e-drive follows a modular system, allowing for the production of various electric drive train derivatives for the Neue Klasse models. This modular approach enhances economies of scale, reduces costs, and improves production flexibility. BMW emphasizes that the Gen6 electric engine has undergone significant enhancements, including the use of 800-volt technology and silicon carbide semiconductor technology for improved efficiency.
The BMW iX3 50 xDrive, the first model of the Neue Klasse, boasts a range of up to 800 km (WLTP) thanks to the new powertrain and high-energy content of the high-voltage battery. These advancements in the electric engine technology contribute to a 20% increase in overall vehicle efficiency compared to previous models.
In conclusion, the production of the Gen6 electric engine at the BMW Group Plant Steyr signifies a significant step towards the future of electromobility within the company. The investment in e-drive technology and the commitment to innovation underscore BMW’s dedication to sustainability and cutting-edge automotive solutions.
