The BMW Group plant in Steyr has commenced series production of the first fully electric drive system dedicated to the sixth generation of eDrive technology (Gen6). This will form the basis for the future Neue Klasse model range.
The most important components – the rotor, stator, two-stage helical gearbox and highly integrated converter – which form the heart of the electric drive, are manufactured at this Austrian factory, while the aluminium housing is produced at the foundry in Landshut and then sent to Steyr for further assembly.
A significant development is the establishment of a clean room environment at this facility, where the converter is manufactured, marking the factory’s entry into the field of advanced electrical engineering.
Thanks to improved geometry, optimised cooling, reduced transmission friction and the use of silicon carbide semiconductors, the new 800-volt architecture has enabled the development of completely redesigned components – the rotor, stator and converter – which significantly increase the efficiency and dynamics of the motor.
The modular production concept enables the creation of many flexible drive unit variants, ensuring a wide range of applications across the entire Neue Klasse line.
“Energy losses have been reduced by 40%, costs by 20%, and weight by 10%. All of this contributes significantly to an approximately 20% increase in the vehicle’s overall efficiency”, emphasises Martin Kaufmann, Senior Vice President of Global Powertrain Development at BMW AG. He points out that this represents a significant qualitative leap compared to the previous Gen5 xDrive generation.
One result of this engineering evolution is the BMW iX3, the first Neue Klasse model equipped with the new Gen6 e-drive system, achieving a range of up to 800 km (WLTP).
Photo: BMW Group
