A proposal for three million electric BMWs may appear somewhat minimal to some observers.
From Zero to a Million Electrified: BMW's Journey to Embracing Electromobility Rockets Onward
In a celebration of sustainability and innovation, the millionth electrified vehicle roared off the assembly line at BMW's flagship plant in Munich, clad in Portimao Blue and destined for the UK market. This monumental milestone signifies BMW's unwavering commitment to electromobility, with nearly one quarter of vehicles delivered in 2024 poised to be fully electric or plug-in hybrids.
Milan Nedeljković, a member of the BMW Board of Management, underscores the importance of adaptability within their production strategy: "Our global production network allows us to swiftly respond to customer demands and market trends. All our plants roar with the power of electromobility, ensuring steady growth in this segment." The heart of this strategy lies in the ability to produce electrified and combustion engine vehicles side by side, optimizing efficiency and versatility.
BMW's love affair with electromobility sparked in 2013, with the introduction of the BMW i3 at the Leipzig plant—the electric city car that marked the dawn of a new era. No longer confined to a corner of the assembly line, electric vehicles now whir and zoom alongside traditional models, spearheading BMW's transformation.
By 2024, a staggering 25% of BMW's production will comprise electrified vehicles, with three-quarters being fully electric. So far, BMW has already electrified over 1.5 million engines, reshaping the industry under the BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce brands.
Revving Up for the Future
BMW's momentum in the realm of electromobility continues to surge, with over 426,500 electrified vehicles sold across its brands in 2024, signifying a 14% increase from 2023[2]. As they push the pedal to the metal on technological advancements, BMW is developing the sixth generation of eDrive technology, promising impressive enhancements in energy density, charging speed, and range[4]. They're also tinkering with all-solid-state battery (ASSB) cells, collaborating with Solid Power to propel this technology forward for potential future use in electric vehicles[1].
BMW's financials remain strong, with €3.1 billion in pre-tax earnings for Q1 2025, fuelled by the insatiable demand for electrified vehicles and their technology-open approach that caters to a diverse array of customer preferences[5].
The Road Untraveled
In the pipeline, BMW plans to debut the Neue Klasse series, built on a platform custom-designed for electric vehicles, with the first model set to roll out later this year in Hungary[4]. They remain committed to Solid Power and further developments in ASSB technology, which may revolutionize future EVs with its potential for enhanced performance and efficiency[1].
BMW stays the course with its balanced strategy, offering everything from fully electric vehicles to hybrids and combustion engines. This flexible approach sets them apart, allowing them to adjust seamlessly to the vicissitudes of the market and the whims of consumers[2]. They're setting their sights on global expansion, focusing on regions with robust charging infrastructure and the skyrocketing demand for electric vehicles[2][5].
The millionth electrified vehicle is merely the beginning. BMW has no desire to park their ambitions. The future is all systems go for this game-changing automaker. Strap in for the ride!
- BMW's journey in electromobility, as seen in the production of the millionth electrified vehicle, signifies a shift in the automotive industry, with a significant portion of their production composed of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
- The BMW Board of Management emphasizes the importance of versatility in their production strategy, enabling them to respond quickly to customer demands and market trends, and producing both electrified and combustion engine vehicles side by side.
- The Neue Klasse series, a line of electric vehicles built on a custom-designed platform, is set to debut later this year, marking BMW's continued commitment to electromobility and their focus on regions with robust charging infrastructure.
- As they strive to revolutionize the automotive industry, BMW is simultaneously investing in technological advancements such as the sixth generation of eDrive technology and all-solid-state battery (ASSB) cells, collaborating with Solid Power to push these technologies forward.
