BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the US state of South Carolina has doubled its capacity for production of high-voltage batteries. The plant's own battery facility now produces the new fourth-generation batteries. These are intended for the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW X5 and the future BMW X3, also produced in Spartanburg.
"We have invested around ten million US dollars in a new battery assembly line and expanded the area to more than 8,000 square metres. This means we could double the number of batteries produced if needed to meet market demand," explains Michael Nikolaides, Senior Vice President Engines and Electrified Drivetrains, BMW Group.
The new assembly line will be able to produce different types of fourth-generation batteries to serve the growing range of electrified vehicles locally. These batteries are based on a new technology concept that further enhances their performance.
More than 120 people will be employed in battery production at Plant Spartanburg by the end of the year, having completed a comprehensive training programme to acquire the technological know-how needed for battery production.
"We have produced batteries on site at Plant Spartanburg since 2015 - making the BMW Group a pioneer for electromobility in the US," says Knudt Flor, President and CEO, BMW Manufacturing, Co., LLC. In the past four years, the plant's battery assembly team has produced a total of more than 45,000 batteries.
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