BMW Group begins series production of Gen6 high-voltage batteries in Shenyang

• Shenyang is the third location in the global Gen6 production network
• Local production of high-voltage batteries for Neue Klasse models in China
• New cylindrical cells deliver more than 20 percent higher energy density and up to 30 percent faster charging and greater range

Munich/Shenyang. The BMW Group has begun series production of its Gen6 high-voltage batteries in Shenyang. Following Debrecen and Irlbach-Straßkirchen, Shenyang is the third location in the new global production network for Gen6 battery technology. The start of production in China marks another important milestone in the technology’s global industrialization. The high-voltage batteries produced locally will form the energy core of future Neue Klasse models built in China.

“The high-voltage battery is a key component of our all-electric vehicles and one of the BMW Group’s most important technologies for the future. The start of Gen6 battery production in China demonstrates how quickly and systematically we are industrializing our latest technology across our global production network. This creates a key prerequisite for the successful global ramp-up of the Neue Klasse,” said Dr. Raymond Wittmann, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production. “Production in Shenyang exemplifies our global approach: We manufacture locally, efficiently and close to our markets, in line with uniform global standards and the highest quality.”

Gen6 technology delivers substantial customer benefits

The Gen6 high-voltage battery represents a technological leap forward for the all-electric models of the Neue Klasse. Compared with the previous cell generation, the newly developed cylindrical cells offer more than 20 percent higher energy density. Charging speed and range increase by up to 30 percent.

This is made possible by the new cell-to-pack concept: The cylindrical cells are integrated directly into the battery housing, eliminating the conventional module level. This makes more efficient use of the available installation space and allows the high-voltage battery to be integrated flexibly into different vehicle models.

The Energy Master plays a key role. Developed by the BMW Group, this central control unit is located directly on the high-voltage battery and consolidates essential power-supply and battery-management functions.

Global production network for sixth-generation high-voltage batteries

The BMW Group is establishing a global production network for its sixth generation of high-voltage batteries. The batteries are manufactured close to the respective vehicle plants. This shortens transport routes, supports a stable supply and strengthens the resilience of the production network. Following Debrecen, Hungary, and Irlbach-Straßkirchen, Germany, Shenyang is the third location in the global network.

The battery assembly locations in Woodruff, USA, and San Luis Potosí, Mexico, will also begin series production in the coming months. Uniform production, quality and safety standards apply worldwide, while each location contributes its regional manufacturing and supplier expertise.

How the Gen6 high-voltage battery is produced

The battery cells are first inspected and then joined with the cooling units to form cell clusters. After laser cleaning, the cell clusters and cell contact system are precision-welded together. A specialized foaming process bonds the components into a single mechanical unit, contributing to the safety, stability and longevity of the high-voltage battery. The housing is then closed, sealed and riveted. In the final assembly step, the Energy Master is installed before each high-voltage battery undergoes a complete end-of-line test.

Digital processes ensure quality and reliability

Production of Gen6 high-voltage batteries combines high-precision manufacturing processes with end-to-end digital quality assurance. Production data is captured and analyzed throughout the entire process. Digital twins, data analytics and AI-supported inspection methods help detect deviations at an early stage and ensure traceability. Among other parameters, inline inspection systems monitor laser-welded joints in real time. At the end of the assembly process, every high-voltage battery undergoes comprehensive testing for quality, safety and functionality.

With local battery production, the BMW Group is strengthening its local-for-local strategy: Future technologies are industrialized close to the market and in accordance with uniform global standards—and manufactured where the vehicles are produced. This makes production and logistics more efficient and resilient.

Questions and answers

Why is the BMW Group producing Gen6 high-voltage batteries in Shenyang?
The batteries are manufactured where the vehicles are produced. Local production in Shenyang will supply future Neue Klasse models built in China, shorten transport routes and contribute to an efficient and resilient supply chain.

What role does Shenyang play in the global Gen6 production network?
Following Debrecen in Hungary and Irlbach-Straßkirchen in Germany, Shenyang is the third location in the global production network for Gen6 high-voltage batteries. Additional battery assembly locations in Woodruff, USA, and San Luis Potosí, Mexico, will begin series production in the coming months.

What does “local for local” mean in battery production?
“Local for local” means industrializing key future technologies close to the market and producing them near the respective vehicle plants. Uniform production, quality and safety standards apply worldwide, while each location contributes its regional manufacturing and supplier expertise.

What is the BMW Group’s Gen6 high-voltage battery?
The Gen6 high-voltage battery is the new battery generation for the all-electric models of the Neue Klasse. Newly developed cylindrical cells, the cell-to-pack concept and the Energy Master deliver a technological leap in energy density, charging speed, range and flexible integration into different vehicle models.

What are the benefits of Gen6 battery technology?
Compared with the previous cell generation, the new cylindrical cells offer more than 20 percent higher energy density. Charging speed and range increase by up to 30 percent. Integrating the cells directly into the battery housing also makes more efficient use of the available installation space.

What is the Energy Master?
The Energy Master is the central control unit for the Gen6 high-voltage battery developed by the BMW Group. It is located directly on the battery and consolidates essential power-supply and battery-management functions.

How does the BMW Group ensure the quality of Gen6 high-voltage batteries?
Production data is captured and analyzed throughout the entire manufacturing process. Digital twins, data analytics, AI-supported inspection methods and inline inspection systems help detect deviations at an early stage and ensure traceability. Finally, every high-voltage battery undergoes comprehensive testing for quality, safety and functionality.

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Sebastian Keßler

Spokesperson Production, Production Strategy

Mobile: +49-151-601-21616

Email: Sebastian.KE.Kessler@bmwgroup.com

Dr Annika Biss

Spokesperson Production Technology, Drivetrain and High-Voltage Battery Production

Mobile: +49-151-601-52588

Email: Annika.Biss@bmwgroup.com

Bernd Eckstein

Head of Communications Production Network, Plant Munich
Mobile: +49-151-601-59490

Email: Bernd.Eckstein@bmwgroup.com

Media website: www.press.bmwgroup.com/

Email: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to € 133.5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,540 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products – from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful life. 

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