BMW and Rimac Join Forces to Challenge Asian Dominance in Electric Vehicle Battery Technology

Will BMW and Rimac’s partnership reshape the landscape of the electric vehicle battery technology market?

In an effort to compete with Asian leaders in the electric vehicle battery technology field, BMW and Rimac have formed a partnership. Rimac, a Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer owned by Porsche, plans to expand its battery systems and powertrain component offerings. BMW, on the other hand, aims to have half of its global sales consist of full-electric models by the end of the decade. This collaboration between the two companies is a significant step towards achieving their respective goals.

BMW and Rimac have formed a strategic partnership to counter the dominance of Asian companies in the high-voltage electric vehicle battery technology sector. This collaboration brings together the expertise of BMW in the automotive industry and Rimac’s prowess as a Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer.

One of Rimac’s goals is to become a leading supplier of battery systems and powertrain components to other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Currently owned 45% by Porsche, Rimac plans to produce 100,000 battery units annually by 2026. This expansion will not only strengthen Rimac’s position in the market but also contribute to the overall growth of the electric vehicle industry.

BMW, on the other hand, has set its sights on a future where half of its global sales are comprised of full-electric models. With an ambitious target like this, BMW recognizes the importance of partnerships to accelerate its electrification efforts. While BMW has its own battery research center in Germany, it has relied on collaborations with CATL and EVE Energy for large-scale battery development.

Although BMW has not provided specific details about the partnership with Rimac, it is clear that Rimac’s transition from a niche manufacturer to a high-volume Tier 1 supplier is a key factor in this collaboration. The German automaker believes that Rimac’s expansion and expertise will contribute to their shared goal of increased electric vehicle adoption.

BMW’s Chief Financial Officer, Walter Mertl, expressed his optimism about the future of electric vehicles, stating, ‘The tipping point for the combustion engine was last year (2023).’ This statement highlights the growing market demand for electric vehicles and the potential shift away from traditional combustion engines.

In 2023, BMW achieved record-breaking global vehicle sales, delivering 2,555,341 units, with all-electric cars accounting for 15% of the total sales volume. This success has motivated BMW to invest more heavily in e-mobility, focusing on new models, vehicle electrification, digitization, and automated driving. Additionally, BMW has committed to transforming its Munich factory into an all-electric production facility by the end of 2027 with a €650 million ($A1.1b) investment.

The partnership between BMW and Rimac marks a significant move in the electric vehicle industry. With Rimac’s battery technology expertise and BMW’s dedication to electric mobility, together they have the potential to challenge the dominance of Asian companies in the high-voltage electric vehicle battery sector.

Overall, BMW and Rimac’s collaboration is a testament to the growing importance of electric vehicles in the automotive industry. By joining forces, these two companies are not only aiming to increase their market share but also contribute to the global transition towards a more sustainable future.

• BMW and Rimac have partnered to challenge Asian dominance in electric vehicle battery technology.
• Rimac plans to produce 100,000 battery units per year by 2026.
• BMW expects half of its global sales to be full-electric models by the end of the decade.
• The collaboration details between BMW and Rimac will be revealed at a later stage.
• BMW and Rimac are focused on expanding their presence in the electric vehicle market.

The partnership between BMW and Rimac is a strategic move to challenge Asian companies in the electric vehicle battery technology field. Both companies have ambitious goals for electric vehicle adoption and are leveraging each other’s expertise to achieve them. With Rimac’s expansion as a battery systems and powertrain component supplier and BMW’s focus on electric vehicle development, this collaboration has the potential to drive significant change in the industry.