Earlier this week, Electrek reported that BMW was moving production lines for its Mini models to plants in Germany and China to streamline the production process. Now the venerable automaker has announced that it is working to boost EV power cell capacity for the Mini Countryman all-electric crossover model. BMW is scheduled to debut the all-electric Mini Countryman model at its Leipzig plant in Germany in 2023, according to the plan.
Image (from: BMW)
The company also expects to deploy the Mini Aceman line — the brand’s first all-electric crossover sport utility vehicle (SAV) — in 2024.
After announcing plans to expand production of EV models and EV-powered batteries in the U.S., BMW said Thursday that it will add a battery assembly line and a new battery coating line at its Leipzig, Germany, plant.
The EV-powered batteries made at the plant will all be used to secure supplies for the Mini Countryman’s all-electric crossover model.
"Looking ahead to 2024, BMW's Leipzig plant will have a third battery assembly line / five paint lines, with two high-voltage battery assembly lines planned afterwards. The company currently has four plants for the assembly of EV power cells, including the Goerfen/Regensburg plant in Germany, and the Spartanburg, USA/Shenyang, China plants."
Just a few days ago, BMW approved a new $1.7 billion investment plan to expand the production of electric vehicle / EV power batteries in the United States.
Of this amount, $1 billion will be used to expand the Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, while another $700 million is allocated to a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff, North Carolina.
"Finally, BMW expects to sell between 240,000 and 245,000 EVs this year, double the number from 2021, and achieve its overall sales target of 10 percent. By 2030, the company expects EV models to contribute 50 percent of total sales. As for the competition, Audi and Mercedes-Benz only envision a full transition to electrification by 2026/2030, respectively."
