The BMW Group is enhancing its all-electric i7 luxury sedan with an advanced high-voltage battery system developed in partnership with Rimac Technology. This collaboration integrates BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, featuring new cylindrical cells, to significantly improve the i7’s range and charging capabilities. The new battery system is manufactured in Croatia by Rimac Technology and will be assembled at BMW’s plant in Dingolfing, Germany.
Key Takeaways
- BMW Group and Rimac Technology are collaborating on a new high-voltage battery for the all-electric BMW i7.
- The system utilizes BMW’s Gen6 cylindrical cell technology, offering a 20% increase in volumetric energy density over previous prismatic cells.
- This advancement leads to increased range and faster charging speeds for the BMW i7.
- The batteries are manufactured at Rimac Technology’s facility in Croatia and supplied to BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.
- The partnership highlights European innovation and Rimac Technology’s role as a Tier 1 supplier for high-volume vehicle projects.
Enhanced Performance Through Advanced Battery Technology
The new high-voltage battery for the BMW i7 combines BMW’s proprietary Gen6 cell technology with the established Gen5 module design. This integration utilizes a new 4695 lithium-ion cylindrical cell, which boasts a 20% higher volumetric energy density compared to the prismatic cells used in the Gen5 technology. This significant improvement directly translates to a substantially increased driving range for the BMW i7. Furthermore, customers will benefit from considerably faster charging times due to the enhanced charging capacity of the new system.
A Partnership Forged in Innovation
Dr. Thomas Engelhardt, Senior VP Development High-Voltage Storage and Charging at the BMW Group, emphasized the rapid rollout of Neue Klasse technologies across the company’s portfolio, including the luxury sedan. He noted that the collaboration with Rimac Technology has resulted in a tailor-made solution for the i7 and serves as a prime example of European innovative strength. Mate Rimac, Founder and President of Rimac Group, expressed excitement about working with BMW, a company known for pushing engineering boundaries. He highlighted that the joint development has unlocked the full potential of the new cylindrical cells, delivering rapid improvements in energy, range, and charging performance.
Rimac Technology’s Growing Role
Rimac Technology, a Tier 1 supplier within the Rimac Group, specializes in electrification solutions for the automotive sector. Their portfolio includes high-voltage battery systems, e-axles, and integrated electronics and software. The company has established state-of-the-art production lines at its new Rimac Campus near Zagreb, Croatia, to meet the demanding quality and volume requirements of global OEMs. This long-term partnership with the BMW Group signifies Rimac Technology’s evolution from a niche supplier for hypercars to a key player in high-volume vehicle electrification projects. The batteries for the BMW i7 are manufactured at this advanced facility and delivered ready for assembly at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, the sole production site for the BMW 7 Series.
The new BMW i7 is set to celebrate its world premiere on April 22nd, 2026, at Auto China in Beijing.
Sources
- BMW Group and Rimac Technology cooperate on innovative high-voltage battery for the BMW i7, BMW Group.
- BMW Group and Rimac Technology cooperate on innovative high-voltage battery for the BMW i7, CBT News.
- Rimac Technology Helps Power the New BMW i7 – Rimac Newsroom, Rimac Newsroom.
