BMW Group receives prestigious technology award for Gen6 high-voltage battery in China
The BMW Group has received the “Global New Energy Vehicle Innovative Technology” award at the 2026 World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC) in China.
The judges recognised the key technologies of the BMW Gen6 high-voltage battery based on the new BMW round cells with a high-nickel cathode. In doing so, they paid tribute to the BMW Group’s innovative achievements in the field of electric drive technologies and its holistic approach to the development of high-voltage batteries. The BMW Group is the only automotive manufacturer from outside China to receive one of the WNEVC’s prestigious technology awards.
“We are very proud to receive this international award for our Gen6 high-voltage battery. It confirms our long-term approach of combining technological innovation with the highest standards of quality and safety and genuine customer relevance. With the Neue Klasse, we are setting new benchmarks in this area,” says Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales.
The Gen6 high-voltage battery reflects the BMW Group’s comprehensive battery expertise, bringing together the company’s own development and production expertise across the entire value chain – from cell chemistry and the development and production of the high-voltage battery through to its integration into the vehicle. As a key technology of the Neue Klasse, it lays the foundation for greater range, faster charging and a new dimension of long-distance electric capabilities. Designed as a global offering, it meets the highest safety requirements worldwide.
The award was presented during the WNEVC, one of the world’s leading platforms for the future of electromobility. This marks the fifth consecutive year – and the sixth time overall – that the BMW Group has been recognised for technological innovation at the congress.
A technological leap for the Neue Klasse
The sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology forms the technological foundation of the Neue Klasse and will be introduced gradually across the BMW Group’s entire fully-electric portfolio. In making the leap from the fifth to the sixth generation, the BMW Group filed patent applications for more than 500 innovations.
“The Gen6 high-voltage battery represents a technological leap across all customer-relevant features. Its innovative, flat design with cylindrical cells paves the way for greater range and faster charging, while maintaining the highest level of safety. As a core technology of the Neue Klasse, it forms the foundation for fully-electric driving pleasure across the entire BMW portfolio,” says Thomas Engelhardt, Senior Vice President Development High-Voltage Batteries, Charging at the BMW Group.
The fundamentally new high-voltage battery concept combines the new BMW round cells, the in-house-developed Energy Master hardware and software, and the systematic integration of the battery into the vehicle architecture to create a holistic system. This allows range, charging speed, efficiency, sustainability and driving dynamics to be refined and optimised together as an integrated system.
The entire Gen6 high-voltage battery portfolio is designed for an 800-volt architecture and enables bidirectional charging capabilities. The cells are integrated directly into the high-voltage battery without a module structure. This cell-to-pack design enables high energy density at battery level and ensures efficient use of the available installation space.
Innovation across the entire value chain
Safety was the highest priority in the development of the Gen6 high-voltage battery. The new round cells feature a steel housing and integrated safety mechanisms. The BMW Group’s in-house cell expertise also ensures continuous scientific and technical validation throughout the entire development process. The high-voltage battery features a multi-stage insulation concept, as well as comprehensive thermal and energy management.
Another element of this innovation is the Energy Master, with both hardware and software developed in-house by BMW. Mounted on the high-voltage battery, it manages the energy flow, supplies power to the e-drives and the vehicle’s electrical system, and serves as the interface for data from the high-voltage battery. It therefore ensures efficient and safe battery operation. In conjunction with the available installation space and vehicle interfaces, it also provides flexibility: It is compatible with both 400-volt and 800-volt charging infrastructure and enables bidirectional charging. At the same time, the overall system has been designed for technology openness, allowing other cell technologies to be integrated.
Questions & answers
What is the World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC)?
The World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC) is an annual conference held in China focusing on electromobility and new energy vehicles. Representatives from industry, academia and the political sector discuss current developments and future trends in the sector. The BMW Group has already been recognised by the Congress for technological innovation for the fifth consecutive year and the sixth time overall.
What did the BMW Group receive the award for?
The BMW Group received the “Global New Energy Vehicle Innovative Technology” award for the key technologies of its Gen6 high-voltage battery, based on the new BMW round cells with a high-nickel cathode. The award honours the BMW Group’s holistic approach to innovation in the areas of safety, efficiency, sustainability and customer benefits.
What distinguishes the Gen6 high-voltage battery?
The Gen6 high-voltage battery combines new BMW round cells, an 800-volt architecture, the Energy Master, with both hardware and software developed in-house , and its consistent integration into the vehicle architecture. The system was developed to improve range, charging performance, efficiency and sustainability simultaneously.
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