Articles tagged with "BMW"
Persistence on Fuel Cell EVs Surfaces In Japan, Germany, US
The article discusses the ongoing commitment to hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in Japan, Germany, and the United States, despite the growing dominance of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) market. BMW and Hyundai remain invested in fuel cell technology, viewing it as a viable segment for future profitability. BMW recently secured significant funding from the German government and the state of Bavaria—€191 million and €82 million respectively—to advance its HyPowerDrive hydrogen fuel cell program, which aims to develop fuel cell systems compatible with its battery EVs, targeting series production by 2028. Meanwhile, Hyundai continues to market its NEXO fuel cell EV in Japan. In the U.S., California maintains strong support for fuel cell EVs as part of its freight decarbonization strategy, despite the bankruptcy of Nikola, a heavy-duty fuel cell truck startup. The Texas-based company Hyroad Energy has acquired Nikola’s fleet of hydrogen fuel cell trucks and
energyfuel-cellelectric-vehicleshydrogenzero-emissionBMWHyundaiFigure humanoid robots retire bruised after 11 months of work at BMW
California-based Figure AI has officially retired its Figure 02 (F.02) humanoid robots after an 11-month pilot deployment at BMW Manufacturing’s Spartanburg plant. During this period, the robots contributed to producing over 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles and handled loading more than 90,000 sheet-metal parts onto welding fixtures with over 99% accuracy. Operating on full shifts by the tenth month, the F.02 units completed more than 1,250 hours of runtime, walking approximately 200 miles inside the facility. The robots’ worn and scratched appearance was highlighted by Figure AI as tangible proof of their sustained, real-world industrial operation, countering earlier skepticism about the scale and authenticity of the deployment. The trial revealed both successes and challenges. While the humanoid robots demonstrated the ability to perform repetitive, precise tasks reliably in a demanding factory environment, hardware issues emerged—particularly with the forearm components. The complexity of integrating multiple degrees of freedom, thermal management, and cabling
robothumanoid-robotsindustrial-automationmanufacturing-robotsBMWrobotics-deploymentfactory-automationBMW, Samsung join hands to back solid-state battery to double EV range
BMW, Samsung SDI, and Solid Power have formed a strategic partnership to advance all-solid-state battery (ASSB) technology for electric vehicles (EVs). Building on BMW and Solid Power’s collaboration since 2022, Samsung SDI brings its expertise in large-scale cell manufacturing and materials engineering to produce ASSB cells using Solid Power’s sulfide-based solid electrolyte. BMW will focus on battery pack and module design. This collaboration aims to develop safer, higher-performance batteries with improved energy efficiency, marking a significant step toward commercial-scale production of ASSBs. Samsung SDI has already launched a pilot production line in South Korea and begun producing prototype solid-state batteries, which have been delivered to customers for evaluation. Meanwhile, BMW conducted successful on-road tests of Solid Power’s ASSB cells in a modified i7 sedan, targeting the introduction of these batteries in production EVs by around 2030. ASSBs promise to double EV driving range and enable faster charging, addressing key limitations of current lithium-ion batteries
energysolid-state-batteryelectric-vehiclesBMWSamsung-SDImaterials-engineeringbattery-technologyBMW Closes In On The Solid State EV Battery Of The Future
The article discusses BMW’s advancing efforts in developing solid state batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), highlighting the automaker’s collaboration with US startup Solid Power and Korean firm Samsung SDI. Solid state batteries replace the conventional liquid electrolyte with solid materials, offering advantages such as reduced fire hazards, lighter weight, greater compactness, longer lifespan, and improved performance. Despite challenges in replacing liquid electrolytes, solid state battery technology is nearing commercialization, with several major players like QuantumScape and Toyota making significant strides. BMW’s involvement dates back to 2016, and the company invested in Solid Power when it went public in 2021. The current collaboration aims to integrate Solid Power’s sulfide-based solid electrolyte technology with Samsung SDI’s manufacturing capabilities, ultimately leading to a BMW demonstration vehicle. Solid Power’s approach uses a single sulfide-based solid layer that functions both as a separator and conductive electrolyte, focusing on cost containment and scalable production using earth-abundant materials. While sulfide electrolytes face certain
energysolid-state-batteryelectric-vehicleBMWbattery-materialsSamsung-SDISolid-PowerBMW's German plant to get 'world’s first' direct hydrogen pipeline
BMW is set to become the first car manufacturer globally to receive hydrogen directly via pipeline at its Leipzig plant, marking a significant shift in its energy sourcing. The company has partnered with Mitnetz GAS and Ontras Gas Transport to build a 2-kilometer pipeline connection, expected to be operational by mid-2027. This will replace the current method of hydrogen delivery by truck in pressurized cylinders, enabling more extensive and efficient use of hydrogen, particularly in energy-intensive processes like paint shop dryers. The Leipzig facility has a long history of hydrogen innovation, including the introduction of the world’s first fuel-flexible burner in 2022 and a fleet of 230 hydrogen-powered forklifts and tugger trains in operation since 2013. The pipeline project is part of Germany’s broader hydrogen core network initiative, a planned 9,000-kilometer infrastructure aimed at linking hydrogen suppliers and users nationally and internationally by 2032. BMW’s early involvement promises greater supply stability and scalability, reinforcing the plant
energyhydrogenBMWmanufacturingindustrial-energyclean-energyhydrogen-pipelineBMW Spots An Opportunity For Fuel Cell Vehicles
BMW has reaffirmed its commitment to hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), signaling plans to move toward series production despite challenges faced by the technology in the zero-emission mobility market. While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) currently dominate due to advantages in cost, fuel availability, and convenience, fuel cells still offer benefits in range and refueling time. BMW’s approach contrasts with companies like Stellantis, which recently discontinued its fuel cell development for light-duty commercial vehicles, citing limited hydrogen infrastructure, high costs, and weak consumer incentives. Stellantis, however, has not abandoned hydrogen entirely and may revisit the technology in the 2030s. BMW’s fuel cell efforts date back to a 2014 prototype and a 2023 limited iX5 demonstration fleet developed with Toyota’s fuel cell technology. The latest development is a third-generation fuel cell platform co-developed with Toyota, designed for both commercial and passenger vehicles. This new system is 25% more compact due to increased power density,
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsBMWfuel-cell-vehicleszero-emission-vehiclesautomotive-technologyclean-energyBMW's third-gen hydrogen fuel cell to boost range with 25% less body
BMW Group is set to begin series production of its third-generation hydrogen fuel cell systems in 2028 at its Plant Steyr, following prototype development at its Munich and Steyr competence centers. This new fuel cell technology, developed in partnership with Toyota, features a 25% reduction in size due to increased power density, making the system more compact than previous generations. The improved design enhances efficiency, leading to greater driving range, higher output, and reduced energy consumption. The third-generation system integrates fuel cells with essential subsystems such as cooling, hydrogen, and air management into a compact layout suitable for future vehicle architectures. BMW’s technology-open strategy aims to offer a variety of zero-emission, high-performance drive systems, with this fuel cell system representing a key addition. Plant Steyr is currently upgrading its facilities to accommodate production, signaling BMW’s commitment to expanding hydrogen fuel cell technology as part of its broader sustainable mobility portfolio.
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellBMWzero-emissionelectric-motorsustainable-technologyautomotive-innovationBMW Bringing Compelling Electric Cars To Market - CleanTechnica
BMW, under CEO Oliver Zipse’s leadership since 2019, is aggressively advancing its electric vehicle (EV) strategy with the Neue Klasse lineup, which could include up to 40 new or updated models. While not all Neue Klasse vehicles will be fully electric—some will be plug-in hybrids, conventional hybrids, or even internal combustion engine models—the primary focus is on delivering “compelling electric cars” that uphold BMW’s reputation as “The ultimate driving machine.” This new generation emphasizes cutting-edge technology, including advanced software, high-performance computing systems, and innovative design, representing BMW’s largest single investment in a vehicle architecture in its 109-year history. The first Neue Klasse vehicle to enter production is the BMW iX3, a midsize electric SUV manufactured in Hungary. BMW claims the iX3 will set industry benchmarks with a WLTP range of up to 497 miles and ultra-fast charging capability of up to 400 kW, enabling rapid range replenishment—such as enough charge for
energyelectric-vehiclesBMWbattery-technologyelectric-SUVscharging-infrastructureautomotive-technologyBMW tests all-solid-state battery for extended range in i7 EV
energysolid-state-batterieselectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyBMWenergy-storageautomotive-innovation