BMW Group signs supply contract with Ganfeng for sustainable lithium

11.12.2019: – Securing raw material supplies for battery cells – Projected order volume totals 540 million euros – Raw material extracted sustainably at mines in Australia

– Securing raw material supplies for battery cells

– Projected order volume totals 540 million euros

– Raw material extracted sustainably at mines in Australia

photo caption: l-r: Xiaoshen Wang, Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President of Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd.; Liang Bin Li, CEO and Founder of Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd.; Gabriele Muz, BMW AG, Purchasing and Supplier Network, Head of Raw Material Management, Energy, Fasteners, and Ralf Hattler, BMW AG, Purchasing and Supplier Network, Senior Vice President Purchasing Indirect Goods and Services, Raw Material, Production Partner

As part of its electromobility expansion, the BMW Group is deepening its existing business relationship with Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd. based in Jiangxi (China). The two companies have signed a supply contract for the lithium needed as a key raw material for battery cells.

“The projected order volume totals 540 million euros. In this way, the BMW Group is securing 100% of its lithium hydroxide needs for fifth-generation battery cells in its high-voltage batteries,” said Dr. Andreas Wendt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network.

The contract is for a term of five years (2020 – 2024).

 

“Alongside cobalt, lithium is one of the key raw materials for electromobility. With the signing of this contract, we are securing our lithium needs for battery cells,” continued Wendt. “We aim to have 25 electrified models in our line-up by 2023 – and more than half will be fully electric. Our need for raw materials will continue to grow accordingly. By 2025, for lithium alone, we expect to need about seven times the amount we do today.”

 
 

Sustainability and security of supply are important factors in the expansion of electromobility. For the BMW Group’s purchasing experts, ethically responsible raw material extraction and processing begins right at the start of the value chain: They are intensively involved throughout our battery cell supply chains – all the way down to the mines themselves. Compliance with environmental standards and respect for human rights have absolute priority.

“Sustainability is an important aspect of our corporate strategy and plays a central role in expanding electromobility. We are fully aware of our responsibilities: Lithium and other raw materials must be extracted and processed under ethically responsible conditions,” underlined Wendt. Ganfeng extracts lithium by mining so-called hard-rock deposits in Australia under the strictest sustainability standards.

 

The BMW Group already publishes the countries of origin of the cobalt it uses on its website (see here). For the upcoming fifth generation of battery cells, the company has also restructured its supply chains and will be sourcing both lithium and cobalt directly from 2020, making the raw materials available to the two battery cell manufacturers, CATL and Samsung SDI.

This ensures full transparency over where raw materials come from. Cobalt will be sourced directly from mines in Australia and Morocco in the future. Supply contracts will ensure the company’s security of supply up to 2025 and beyond.

 

The BMW Group also recently announced that it is increasing the order volume for battery cells from CATL to 7.3 billion euros (contract: 2020 to 2031) and also signed a long-term contract worth 2.9 billion euros with Samsung SDI for its fifth-generation electric drive trains (contract: 2021 to 2031).

“In this way, we are securing our long-term battery cell needs. Every cell generation is awarded in global competition to the leading manufacturer from both a technology and a business perspective. This ensures we always have access to the best possible cell technology,” added Wendt.

 

The BMW Group’s fifth-generation electric drive trains from 2021 on will also be produced entirely without using rare earths. “This means we will no longer be dependent on their availability,” emphasised Wendt.

 

Extensive in-house expertise throughout entire value chain for battery cell technology

The BMW Group possesses extensive in-house expertise throughout the entire value chain for battery cell technology. In-house battery production takes place at BMW Group Plants Dingolfing (Germany) and Spartanburg (USA), and at the BBA plant in Shenyang (China). The BMW Group has also localised battery production in Thailand and is working with the Dräxlmaier Group in this area.

 

In mid-November, the company opened its Battery Cell Competence Centre in Munich. The aim of the competence centre is to advance battery cell technology and introduce it into production processes. The company is investing a total of 200 million euros in the location, which is set to create up to 200 jobs.

The production of battery cell prototypes makes it possible to fully analyse and understand cell value creation processes. “Whether we set up our own standard production of cells at a later date will largely depend on how the supplier market develops,” according to Wendt.

 

The BMW Group has formed a joint technology consortium with Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt and Umicore, a Belgian developer of battery materials, for the purpose of developing the cell technology crucial to electromobility.

The cooperation will focus on creating a complete, sustainable value chain for battery cells in Europe, extending from development and production all the way to recycling. Recycling of battery components plays a decisive role in closing the materials cycle as far as possible and maximising reuse of raw materials as demand for battery cells grows.

 

BMW Group is a pioneer in electromobility – 25 electrified models by 2023

The company will have 25 electrified models in its line-up by 2023. The basis for this is provided by flexible vehicle architectures for fully-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and models with combustion engines that enable the company to respond quickly to changing conditions. More than half of the 25 models will be fully electric.

The BMW Group will double its sales of electrified vehicles between 2019 and 2021. The company expects to see a steep growth curve up to 2025: Global sales of electrified vehicles should increase by an average of over 30 percent every year. In Europe, the company is also following an ambitious growth logic: The aim is to increase the percentage of electrified vehicles in the new vehicle fleet to a quarter in 2021 and to a third in 2025; by 2030, they should account for half of sales volumes.

 

As an e-mobility pioneer, the BMW Group is already a leading supplier of electrified vehicles. By the end of 2019, the company aims to have more than half a million vehicles with fully-electric or plug-in hybrid drive trains on the roads. Within two years, the BMW Group will offer five fully-electric series-production vehicles: Alongside the BMW i3*, with more than 160,000 units built to date, this year will see the start of production of the fully-electric MINI* at Plant Oxford.

This will be followed in 2020 by the fully-electric BMW iX3 from Shenyang (China) and, in 2021, by the BMW iNEXT, which will be produced in Dingolfing, and the BMW i4 from Plant Munich.

 

 

Mathias Schmidt,  photos BMW

Electric vehicles ‘the silver lining’ in UK new car market

05.12.2019

The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a 1.3% decline in new car registrations in November. The trade body attributes the continued decline in the market to a number of factors, including weak business and consumer confidence, economic uncertainty and confusion over diesel and clean air zones, combined to affect demand. more >>

ABT and Schaeffler become strategic partners

03.12.2019

Together into the electric futureWhether for Formula E wins and titles or spectacular joint projects such as the 1200-hp 4ePerformance: The collaboration between ABT Sportsline and Schaeffler is a resounding success. The two companies are now moving forward more >>

AIWAYS produces first all-electric U5 models for Europe

03.12.2019

•    First batch of European spec U5 produced at AIWAYS’ €1.73 billion manufacturing facility in Shangrao, China•    Limited number of all-electric SUV to be used by AIWAYS to build anticipation ahead of official European market launch in April 2020  more >>

New ABT e-Caddy can be ordered from end of November 2019

26.11.2019

Leasing only – from 293 euros/month netThe first all-electric ABT e-Caddys, with long-wheelbase, can be ordered from the end of November 2019 at selected Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Dealers and ABT e-Line partners and are expected to be more >>

LEXUS The technology revolution: Four generations of self-charging hybrid electric power

21.11.2019

Lexus celebrates 30 years of amazingEver since its daring, disruptive entry into the luxury car market in 1989, Lexus has repeatedly broken the convention with pioneering new ideas. Principal among these is its long more >>

Ford’s electric Mustang is a bold but necessary move, says GlobalData

18.11.2019

Following the news that Ford is to introduce an electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) in 2020; David Leggett, Automotive Editor at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view: “It is certainly a bold move by Ford to lend the Mustang name to an upcoming all-electric SUV. The idea is to promote the traditional Mustang brand’s strengths more >>

SKODA AUTO, PRE and Chakratec bring unique charging technology to Prague

14.11.2019

› Charging station uses flywheel technology and does not require chemical battery cells› This enables the Kinetic Power Booster in Prague to have twice as much power as the national grid› The system allows for fast charging even in places with a weak grid› Start-up Chakratec, inventor of the Kinetic Power Booster, was scout more >>

Volkswagen breaks ground on expansion for electric vehicle production in United States

13.11.2019

Overall plant expansion in Chattanooga brings $800 million investment  Volkswagen creates 1,000 new jobs  Production of an electric-only Volkswagen ID. model starts in 2022  Volkswagen also announces new battery pack assembly facility more >>

SEAT Mii electric: making electrification affordable

11.11.2019

•    SEAT Mii electric is the first all-electric vehicle from the brand, making the technology affordable, with purchase costs on the same level as an internal combustion engine vehicle and low cost of ownership•    Mii electric is the ideal vehicle for the city, mixing dynamic performance with practicality thanks to its 61kW ele more >>

BMW Group continues to expand charging infrastructure for electrified vehicles

05.11.2019

– 4,100 charging points to be installed by 2021 – Offer for employees at German locations – Public access also planned – Charging with green energy at attractive conditions The BMW Group is se more >>

Electric vehicles to disrupt but not eradicate turbocharger fitment, says GlobalData

21.10.2019

The relentless pursuit of lower emissions and fuel consumption has driven a significant jump in the fitment of turbocharged engines over the last two decades – first with turbocharged diesels and then with downsized gasoline engines. However, the forecast increase in electric vehicle up-take has led some to question the longevity of the turbocharger. A closer analysis of the figures more >>

Volkswagen electric car ID.3 communicates using light

09.10.2019

ID.3: The vehicle is not yet available for sale in Europe. Innovative ID. Light concept visually supports vehicle functions and warnings  New feature lends the ID.31 more emotionality more >>

SEAT: 5 questions and answers about electric cars

02.10.2019

•    By 2030, sales of zero or low emission cars must amount to 40 % of the total, according to the European Commission•    Range and battery recharging raise the most questions•    SEAT is going to launch 6 new electric and plug-in hybrid models by early 2021 more >>

Hyundai’s 45 Concept gives a vision of electrification, autonomous technologies and intelligent design

18.09.2019

Hyundai has unveiled the 45, an electric vehicle concept, at the Frankfurt Motor Show as homage to its heritage and a future image of a new era of the Korean company’s automotive design focused on electrification, autonomous technologies and intelligent design. more >>

BMW Group aims to have one million electrified vehicles on the roads in 2021

10.09.2019

Oliver Zipse: Already at the forefront of electromobility – Market for electric vehicles developing at different rates – Customers are key: Technologies for climate protection only effective if customers want them and use them more >>

Automobili Pininfarina, Bosch and BENTELER – Future Foundation For Performance Electric Cars

09.09.2019

•    Strategic collaboration formed with mobility specialists Bosch Engineering and BENTELER ahead of Frankfurt International Auto Show•    Conf more >>

This is how you design a 100% electric concept car

09.09.2019

photo caption: CUPRA concept car •    The electric vehicle is now a reality that is transforming every area in the automotive sector, such as design•    Aerodynamics is a key factor in achie more >>

e-up! for everyone – new generation of the electric e-up!

05.09.2019

…with a long range to be launched at a low price    World premiere at the IAA: new e-up!1 will make its début with a low leasing rate of €1592    Ideal for commuters and city driving: energy more >>

Opel Corsa-e Electric Car: Fast and Easy Charging

02.09.2019

    Charging at home: from household socket to wallbox    Charging on journeys: high-speed charging is standard    Charging everywhere: with the “universal charging cable” at every charging station    Via remote control: efficient travel with e-Services and the myOpel app more >>

Hyundai Motor Group Reveals Personal Electric Scooter Capable of 20km Range

27.08.2019

•    New on-board scooter could be featured on future Hyundai Motor Group vehicles•    Last mile mobility is enhanced by foldable and lightweight, all-electric scooter•    Scooter houses 10.5 Ah lithium battery enabling 20km range, plus 20km/h top speed  more >>

New Passat GTE with longer electric range

26.08.2019

The Passat Variant GTE with a plug-in hybrid drive    31% more battery capacity allows for a longer electric range    Zero emissions in the city, efficiency on long journeys    more >>

AIWAYS U5 prototypes enter Europe after crossing China, Kazakhstan and Russia on electric power

23.08.2019

•    Pair of engineering prototypes enters Finland after pan-Asian drive•    9,166 kilometres travelled since departing Xi’an, China on 17 July•    Set to arrive in Frankfurt, Germany, in time for IAA 2019 in September•    Single point-to-point route of 14,231 km (8, more >>

Expansion of electric charging stations at Volkswagen’s German sites begins

22.08.2019

 
(F.l.t.r.) Thomas Ulbrich, Ulrich Markurth, Martin Römheld und Werner Gose charging the ID.3. ID.3: This vehicle is not offered for sale yet in Europe.   First charging center more >>

AIWAYS U5 prototypes cross Kazakhstan and enters Russia on epic EV drive to Western Europe

13.08.2019

•    7,013 kilometres travelled since departing Xi’an, China on 17 July•    Set to arrive in Frankfurt, Germany, in time for IAA 2019 in September•    Single point-to-point route of 14,231 km (8,843 miles) forms part of rigorous test programme; showcases how simple and easy U5 is to live with more >>

KW Variant 3 – Tesla Model 3

08.08.2019

Since beginning of 2019 the Tesla Model 3 has also been available in Europe. According to different media reports the Model 3 is already one of the best-selling electric cars in Europe. KW automotive, the suspension manuf more >>

CUPRA shows a glimpse of its vision of the future with an exclusive all-electric concept-car

23.07.2019

•    The brand’s all-electric concept represents the vision of how CUPRA wants to reinvent sportiness•    The high-performance vehicle accentuates the sleekness of a sports coupe, with the presence of an SUV•    The CUPRA Concept will make its world debut at this year’s IAA Frankf more >>

AIWAYS embarks on great EV adventure: U5 prototypes depart from China for epic drive to Western Europe

18.07.2019

•    AIWAYS U5 battery-electric SUV departed from Xi’an, China, yesterday•    Set to arrive in Frankfurt, Germany, in time for IAA 2019 in September•    Single point-to-point route of 14,231 km (8,843 miles) forms part of rigorous test program; showcases how simple and easy U5 is to live with more >>

Groupe Renault and JMCG officially establish a joint venture for electric vehicles in China

17.07.2019

•             Groupe Renault will increase its share capital by RMB 1 billion to become a major shareholder of JMEV with a 50% stake. Groupe Renault and Jiangling Motors Corporation Group (J more >>

SEAT – An electric 600 in the classroom

11.07.2019

•    A secondary education school in Madrid converts a petrol powered SEAT 600 to electric•    Sourcing parts and joining the gearbox to the engine were the main challenges of the project•    More than 150 hours of work were required to reconstruct the vehicle  more >>

Tested to extremes: AIWAYS prepares for launch of U5 in Europe

10.07.2019

….with longest-ever EV prototype drive•    Single point-to-point route of 14,231 km (8,843 miles) will form part of rigorous test programme; showcases how simple and easy U5 is to live with•    Drive commences in Xi-an in mid-July, concludes September 2019 •    U5 battery-electric SUV more >>

Fastned eröffnet 100ste Schnellladestation

13.06.2019

Ein bedeutender Meilenstein auf dem Weg zu einem europäischen Netzwerk von tausend Schnellladestationen. Fastned, das Ladeunternehmen, welches ein europäisches Netzwerk von Schnellladestationen für alle vollelektrischen Fahrzeuge a more >>

Mitsubishi Motors celebrates a decade of i-MiEV, pioneering mass-production electric vehicles

05.06.2019

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today marked the 10th anniversary of its launch of the zero-emission i-MiEV city car, which paved the way for the automotive industry’s seismic shift towards mass-produced electric vehicles (EV). Since its release, the more >>

SEAT recharges city driving with the Mii electric

04.06.2019

•    SEAT Mii electric is the first electric vehicle from the brand, laying the groundwork for more to join the family in the future•    Mii electric is the ideal vehicle for the city, mixing dynamic performance with practica more >>

Joint Venture with Porsche: 100th IONITY HPC-Park goes into operation

28.05.2019

51 sites are currently under constructionJust a few months ahead of the world premiere of the Taycan, the first fully electric sports car from Porsche, the development of the High Performance more >>

Fastned öffnet Schnellladestation am Van der Valk Hotel Spreewald an der A13

17.05.2019

Fastned, das Schnellladeunternehmen, welches ein europäisches Netzwerk an Schnellladestationen baut, eröffnet heute eine Schnellladestation am Van der Valk Hotel Spreewald an der A13 (Ausfahrt Freiwalde). Dies ist die dritte Station von Fastned an einem Van der Valk Hotel und Teil einer Kooperation um gemeinsam weitere Stationen in Deutschland zu realisieren. Die Fastned Schnellladest more >>

The Charging Power of the Audi e-tron

10.05.2019

….Benchmark for Long-Distance Journeys   150 kW fast charging over a large portion of the charging procedure        80 percent in 30 minutes, full charging to 100 percent in less than 50 minu more >>

Groupe PSA : Electric offensive on the light commercial vehicle

30.04.2019

•    Groupe PSA presents a preview of the electrified versions of Peugeot Boxer Electric and Citroën Jumper Electric at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show (from 30 April to 2 May). •    Leader in the LCV[1] segment in Europe with 24.7% market share in 2018, Groupe PSA reaffirms its ambition to offer 100% of its range wit more >>

EXTREME E to partner with Spark Racing Technology to build electric SUV off-road cars

23.04.2019

• Spark Racing Technology to design, assemble and deliver all-new electric SUV model for Extreme EExtreme E has joined forces with motor more >>

Fastned eröffnet erste Schnellladestation im Vereinigten Königreich

16.04.2019

Fastned, das Schnellladeunternehmen, welches ein europäisches Netzwerk von Schnellladestationen aufbaut, eröffnet heute seine erste Schnellladestation in Großbritannien. Dies ist die erst more >>