BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse platform for electric cars will enable them to go on for 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) on a single battery charge while pumping out up to 1,360 PS (1,341 hp / 1,000 kW) to the wheels.
The corresponding statement was made by BMW CTO Frank Weber himself, who added that the first model is slated for market launch in 2025. All these EVs will come powered by cylindrical power cells that the company will be able to group into units of different sizes and shapes. Their parameters and the use of 800V power architecture will enable rapid charging, giving drivers 50 kilometers (31 miles) of range per one minute of charging. Batteries rated for 600 km (373 miles) will go from zero to 95 percent full in around 12 minutes. The capacity will range between 75 and 150 kWh.
The motor count will also vary. The most affordable BMW EVs will make do with a single motor, while high-end M cars will benefit from as many as four motors mounted one per wheel. The power output to the wheels will start at 272 PS (268 hp / 200 kW) and culminate with the abovementioned 1,360 metric horsepower.
Compared to the current generation od electric cars designed in Bavaria, Neue Klasse is expected to improve power efficiency by around 25% across the board. Polished aerodynamics and lower rolling resistance should help achieve this goal – the company is already working on new tires and optimized hub bushings.
The new architecture is slated to debut in 2025 along with the next-gen BMW i3 sedan and iX3 SUV. With that in mind, the manufacturer says it has plans to produce cars with various body styles on this new platform, not just the most popular kinds.
