Latest Updates in Electric Vehicles, Batteries, and Charging Infrastructure: BMW and the Workhorse Group Make Headlines

Workhorse Group Inc., an American technology company specialising in zero-emission commercial vehicles, offers a diverse range of electric step vans. The lineup includes the W56 with 178" and 208" wheelbases, and the W750. Each electric step van comes with cargo capacities of 1,200, 1,000, or 750 cubic feet.

One of the standout models is the W56 step van, which is set to go into service in August 2024. NorCal Transports Inc., a last-mile package delivery contractor in Richmond, California, has already received the first delivery of this vehicle. Edson A. Costa Jr., CEO of NorCal Transports, Inc., has expressed positive feedback about the W56's durability, capacity, and range.

Workhorse and Kingsburg Truck Sales will collaborate to ensure a seamless delivery and implementation process for the W56 step van. The vehicle is also eligible for California's Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project ("HVIP"), offering a $85,000 voucher per vehicle purchased.

Meanwhile, BMW Group is making strides in battery technology. The company is expanding its production network for sixth-generation high-voltage batteries, setting up five facilities on three continents. These facilities will produce batteries for the Neue Klasse models, which will incorporate all-new cylindrical cells, offering improved energy density, charging times, and range.

BMW Group will manufacture high-voltage batteries for Neue Klasse models in Irlbach-Strasskirchen, Lower Bavaria, Germany. The first Neue Klasse vehicles will be produced at the BMW Group's new plant in Debrecen, Hungary, starting in 2025. From 2026, Neue Klasse vehicles will be made by BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) in Shenyang, China, with local production of sixth-generation high-voltage batteries.

BMW Group Plant Woodruff in South Carolina will assemble high-voltage batteries for fully electric cars made in nearby Plant Spartanburg. Prototype battery cells like the ones in the Neue Klasse are already being made at the BMW Group's Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre (CMCC) in Parsdorf, near Munich.

BMW emphasises a zero-defect approach by implementing state-of-the-art intelligent production processes and extensive use of data analytics and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in these new greenfield factory sites. These facilities facilitate advanced IT infrastructure and innovation.

The sixth-generation battery technology features increased energy density, with approximately 20% improvement, enabling longer range and faster charging for the Neue Klasse models. Series production of these batteries is set to commence in Europe at the end of 2025, with production locations spanning multiple continents.

This global, multi-continental production network for BMW's Gen6 high-voltage batteries focuses on quality, proximity to vehicle assembly plants, and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. The deployment of the W56 step van in the Richmond area will aid in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with NorCal's goal of achieving 100% alternate fuel vehicles in its fleet by 2025, as 80% of its current fleet already consists of such vehicles.

[1] BMW Group (2022). Local for local – BMW Group expands high-voltage battery production network. [online] Available at: https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/media/press-releases/local-for-local-bmw-group-expands-high-voltage-battery-production-network.html

[2] BMW Group (2022). Neue Klasse: BMW Group sets up five high-voltage battery production sites on three continents. [online] Available at: https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/media/press-releases/neue-klasse-bmw-group-sets-up-five-high-voltage-battery-production-sites-on-three-continents.html

[3] BMW Group (2022). Neue Klasse: BMW Group presents sixth-generation high-voltage battery. [online] Available at: https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/media/press-releases/neue-klasse-bmw-group-presents-sixth-generation-high-voltage-battery.html

[4] BMW Group (2022). Neue Klasse: BMW Group presents sixth-generation high-voltage battery. [online] Available at: https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/media/press-releases/neue-klasse-bmw-group-presents-sixth-generation-high-voltage-battery.html