Everything seems to indicate that BMW’s electric offensive is also going from strength to strength. As an example, we have the start of construction of what will be its new high-voltage battery production plant, located in Woodruff, South Carolina, USA. The Bavarian firm has made a great effort and investment in what they call “the path to the future”:
“Today’s announcement ushers in a new era at the Spartanburg Plant as we prepare to produce all-electric BMW X models for the world. The path to the future begins here in South Carolina. The Woodruff plant will be state of the art in terms of sustainability, flexibility and digitization.”
-Robert Engelhorn, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg.
The electrical project that includes these two assembly plants began in October 2022when the BMW Group announced $1.7 billion in investments for both complexes:
- $1 billion for the Spartanburg plant to produce electric models
- $700 million for the construction of the new high-voltage battery plant in Woodruff.
Added to this is the concept created by the BMW Group “Local for local”, through which the brand will buy raw materials (battery cells) from AESC, a local provider with operations in Florence, CS. Such lithium-ion battery cells will be at the heart of the sixth generation BMW eDrive, and will have up to 20% more energy density, while charging speeds would improve by up to 30%. It is estimated that BMW will reduce its carbon footprint by 60% with the use of these new batteries.
From its construction to its operation, The new BMW battery plant will also be one of the most modern and, above all, with the least ecological impact in the world:
- It will be a BMW iFACTORY
- It will not use fossil fuels for its operation
- It will use 100% green electricity
- It will have photovoltaic systems on the roofs
- It will have smart LED lighting with motion sensors and dimming systems to reduce consumption.
- No water is needed for the production process of high voltage batteries
- Rainwater will be collected for the secondary needs of the factory
- During construction, CO2 will be injected into the concrete to increase its resistance.
BMW is currently the largest vehicle exporter in the United States and employs more than 11,000 people in the South Carolina region.
