BMW Group injects massive investment into US for EV future

The shift to electric for the BMW Group seems a certainty after the German automaker invested a massive $1,7 billion into US facilities to accommodate EV and battery cell production. This is part of a roadmap to build six EVs in the USA by 2030.

BMW Group

Image: BMW

A massive EV offensive can be used to describe the BMW Group in their bid for electrification. Along with the $1,7 billion investment in the US, the automaker has announced four additional battery cell factories for Europe and China, each with an annual capacity of 20 GWh. 

The investment into US facilities for BMW includes a $1 billion upgrade for the existing Spartanburg facility while the leftover change of $700 million will go to building the new battery plant Woodruff, South Carolina – not too far away. This is a push to reach its roadmap goals of producing six electric vehicles within the USA by 2030 while the new 1 million square foot factory will create 300 jobs. 

Related: Renault 4ever Trophy debuts as retro-inspired adventure EV

The factory will be responsible for producing round lithium-ion battery cells which are touted to have 30% more range with a production cost slashed in half. In addition, the denser cells could reduce charging times by as much as 30% while production is reliant on recycled material and renewable energy sources which reduce its carbon footprint for producing the component. 

BMW Group

Image: BMW

The existing facility in Spartanburg is currently responsible for the battery modules of the hybrid X3 and X4 models with 70 000 electrified units rolling off of the line by the close of 2021. The facility has the capacity for 450 000 units annually and employs over 11 000. The highly controversial BMW XM will be produced at this facility later on in the year but as the 2030 deadline for automakers looms, we can expect more major investments into electrification.

The post BMW Group injects massive investment into US for EV future appeared first on CAR Magazine.


The Car Guide

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Topical tips on buying used – Chapter 1

Image
Buying a used car can be harrowing, whether privately or from a dealer. Here are some tips, as well as some things to watch out for. Beware of low mileages, especially on smaller or cheaper cars. It is always possible that the odometer has been turned back. Some things to bear in mind are:- diesels are often bought because they the driver needs to undertake long trips without consuming vast amounts of fuel. This could be a sales rep, or someone travelling large distances to work, lots of lengthy trip for family holidays, etc. So, usually higher mileages than normal. An expensive or luxury car may not see much time on the road, but very seldom a “workhorse”. This makes the executive cars likely to have a lot more life left than the overworked and abused hatchback. These also spend most of their life in a home garage or undercover parking lot at work. Related: Someone paid more for a mint BMW 325iS Evo 2 than a used M4 A vehicle without any service history is a serious disadvantage
Read more

Like Lego? Then the R8-engined Rhino RR01 Kit Car From Lithuania is For You

Image
The Rhino RR01 is presented as an affordable Audi R8-engined supercar that’s both street-legal and geared for the track, here’s all you need to know about the new model.  Image: Rhino Looking for your next sportscar? Find it here with CARmag.  This groundbreaking vehicle is the inaugural supercar hailing from the Baltic state of Lithuania, born and crafted in Kaunas, 100 km away from the capital city of Vilnius. Surprisingly, it was conceived by yacht engineers who had minimal experience in the automotive world by painstakingly developing the car from scratch. All monocoque design, chassis, bodywork, interior, and electronics were done by themselves. While the prototype borrowed the engine from an ‘Audi R8’, the ‘Kit Car’ model offers the freedom to install various engines, allowing drivers to experience the thrill of a racing car on both roads and tracks. Image: Rhino Lithuania has contributed individual components to major car manufacturers, but until now, the country had ne
Read more

Could this teased Lancia sports car be a reborn Stratos?

Image
Lancia recently teased a coupe-looking model, waiting to be unveiled in their Multiverse. Could this then, signify the return of a historic moniker like the Stratos to the struggling automaker? Image: Lancia #MakeLanciaGreatAgain – a social media phrase that has been making the rounds for the better part of a decade. World Rally Championship titles, Formula 1 single-seat winners and some other gems in between. The Italian automaker litters dates in history and motorsport, with some truly revolutionary ideas and models that aided their bid to become one of the most successful motorsport manufacturers of all time. But that is all in the past. Lancia now contends sole markets with a platform-shared model but there have been ambitious plans under Stellantis ownership to kick-start the automaker and make them great again… words that delight so many enthusiasts and aficionados. Related: Automobili Amos debut Martini Racing Livery Lancia Delta and Safarista What better way to do this th
Read more