BMW´s Gen6 battery is the brand new company´s cylindrical cell technology designed for the upcoming Neue Klasse electric vehicles. It came to replace the older prismatic cells with larger 4695 and 46120 cylindrical cells, increasing energy density and improving thermal management. Up to 50% more driving range and 30% faster charging are the results thanks to a new 800-volt architecture.
Gen6 also reduces battery production costs by about 50% and lowers CO₂ emissions by using renewable energy and recycled materials. Overall, it is BMW’s biggest step forward in battery efficiency, performance, and sustainability.
EU countries, Europe (non-EU), North America, Asia (
Germany, China, Korea South, United States of America )
SI Process
Start Date:
March 2020
End Date:
August 2022
Start Date:
September 2022
End Date:
December 2025
Start Date:
December 2025
End Date:
Ongoing
Link to H2020 SI Priorities
Climate change mitigation solutions
Eco-innovation and green economy transition
Eco-solutions to reduce raw materials use
ICT systems improving resource efficiency
Climate action eco-innovation policies
SI Type
Product / Process - This innovation is classified as Product / Process because it introduces a new battery technology and improved manufacturing processes, focusing on technical and industrial advancements rather than services, organisation, or social change.
Organisational / Business model - The shift to Gen6 requires new manufacturing structures, supply-chain adjustments and dedicated battery production facilities, representing organisational changes that support the core innovation.
System - The Gen6 battery relies on system-level innovations, including an 800-volt architecture, advanced thermal management and integration with the Neue Klasse EV platform, making it part of a wider technological system.
SI Objectives
Increase energy density to enable longer electric driving range.
Reduce CO₂ emissions in battery cell production through cleaner processes and materials.
Lower battery manufacturing costs to support affordable electric mobility.
Improve charging speed and efficiency through an 800-volt battery architecture
Reduce raw material use by implementing larger cylindrical cells and simplified pack design.
Reduce raw material use by implementing larger cylindrical cells and simplified pack design.
Support large-scale EV adoption by improving battery reliability.
Increase manufacturing scalability for global production.
Strengthen BMW’s competitiveness in the electric vehicle market.
Enable future integration with circular battery recycling systems.
SI Origin
The SI process was initiated when BMW recognised the need for a new battery technology to meet future efficiency, cost, and sustainability demands in the electric vehicle market. Growing regulatory pressure, rising competition, and internal sustainability goals triggered a dedicated R&D programme. Cross-disciplinary teams and external partners collaborated to explore new cell formats, leading to the development of BMW’s sixth-generation cylindrical battery cells.
SI Factors of success
Technological - The success of the Gen6 battery is driven by major technological advances, including higher energy density, faster charging through 800-volt architecture and improved thermal management.
Economic - A 50% reduction in battery production costs and improved manufacturing efficiency make the Gen6 economically essential for scaling BMW’s electric vehicle strategy.
Environmental - The Gen6 contributes to sustainability by cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 60% and reducing raw material use through a simplified cell and pack design.
Sources
Secondary - Most information comes from secondary sources such as BMW press releases, technical reports and industry articles. These sources help identify the practices, outcomes and key actors involved in the Gen6 battery innovation.
