BMW Launches New Battery Factory for i3 in Bavaria
Written with artificial intelligence.
Production of high-voltage battery packs using Gen6 cells has commenced in Irlbach-Straßkirchen, Bavaria. The new BMW i3 features a battery capacity of 108.7 kWh and integrates the battery pack as a structural component of the vehicle.
New Battery Production Begins
BMW has initiated the series production of its next-generation battery systems in Irlbach-Straßkirchen, Bavaria. The first battery packs are already on their way to Munich for installation in the new BMW i3. It is important to note that the Bavarian factory does not manufacture the cells; these are sourced from other BMW facilities, with Irlbach-Straßkirchen focused on assembling high-voltage battery packs.
Factory Details
The factory currently operates with around 1,000 employees and two shifts, producing a few hundred battery systems daily. As production ramps up, the workforce is expected to grow to 1,600, with the capacity to manufacture several hundred batteries per day. The facility spans 150,000 square meters, with 50,000 dedicated to actual production, and is equipped with approximately 500 robots.
Battery Specifications
The battery designed for the new i3 has a capacity of 108.7 kWh and is integrated into the vehicle's structure, enhancing rigidity rather than simply being housed under the floor. This design approach is also being adopted in BMW's upcoming Neue Klasse electric models, showcasing the innovative 'pack to open body' concept with cylindrical Gen6 cells.
Future Production Goals
The assembly of the i3's high-voltage battery will be conducted directly in Irlbach-Straßkirchen from October 1, 2026, supplying the Munich plant. The Hungarian site in Debrecen is part of the global Gen6 battery production network but is not involved in the initial phase for the i3 packs. The Bavarian factory is a critical component in BMW's strategy to support the production volumes for the Neue Klasse line of electric vehicles.