Car enthusiasts, hold your horses! That electric BMW-badged Rimac Nevera you might have been dreaming of isn't quite on the horizon. But fear not, because a new partnership between BMW and Rimac Technology promises exciting advancements in electric vehicle battery technology.
First up, Rimac Technology vs. Rimac Automobili. While connected, these are separate entities. Rimac Technology acts as a Tier 1 supplier, developing electric powertrain solutions for various automakers, including Aston Martin, Hyundai, Porsche, and even Koenigsegg (for the Regera). This partnership will see BMW and Rimac collaborate on developing next-generation high-voltage battery technology for specific BMW electric vehicles – likely high-performance models like the upcoming electric M3 (potentially called the iM3). Both companies bring significant experience to the table. BMW boasts nearly two decades of experience in mainstream electric vehicle technology, while Rimac has been grabbing headlines with record-breaking performance in the Nevera.
Rimac Technology's expertise goes beyond just batteries. They are a powerhouse in developing high-voltage battery pack, e-axles, software control systems for these components. This comprehensive knowledge allows them to develop nearly all aspects of an electric powertrain in-house, as seen in the Nevera. Their client list is a who's who of the automotive industry, including Aston Martin, Porsche, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz & AMG, Ferrari, Pininfarina, Koenigsegg, Cupra, Jaguar, Renault, and Magna. With the addition of BMW, this list now extends to prestigious brands like Rolls-Royce and Mini.
Neue Klasse Unaffected (For Now)
BMW clarifies that their sixth-generation eDrive technology, destined for the first Neue Klasse models (electric versions of the 3 Series and X3), won't utilize the co-developed tech with Rimac. These models are expected next year and promise a 30% improvement in charging times and range compared to current technology, along with introducing bi-directional charging for BMW.
This partnership between BMW and Rimac Technology is a promising step forward for electric vehicle development. While we might not see a BMW-Rimac supercar just yet, the future of high-performance electric BMWs is certainly looking brighter.
