BMW Group is advancing its electric vehicle production in the United States with the groundbreaking of a new battery assembly plant in Woodruff, South Carolina, known as “Plant Woodruff.” This facility will generate over 300 jobs and produce sixth-generation batteries for electric BMW X models manufactured at the nearby Spartanburg plant. The Woodruff plant is part of a $1.7 billion investment in U.S. operations by BMW, which includes $1 billion to ready the Spartanburg plant for electric vehicle production.
The Woodruff facility will span over one million square feet and incorporate sustainability innovations such as operating without fossil fuels, using 100% green electricity, and the potential for future solar panel installation. It will also employ energy-efficient technologies and materials to minimize environmental impact. BMW’s “local for local” strategy includes sourcing battery cells from AESC’s new factory in Florence, South Carolina, enhancing energy density and charging speed while reducing CO2 emissions.
BMW is also focusing on workforce development through its new Technical Training Center (TTC) in Spartanburg, which will provide essential training for building electric vehicles. The TTC aims to ensure that BMW associates are well-prepared for the shift to electric vehicle production.
Overall, BMW’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and local manufacturing is evident in the development of Plant Woodruff and the expansion of Plant Spartanburg. These efforts solidify BMW’s position as a leader in the electric vehicle market and as a significant contributor to the automotive industry in the United States.
Key Takeaways:
- BMW is expanding its electric vehicle production capabilities in the United States with a new battery assembly plant in Woodruff, South Carolina, which will create over 300 jobs.
- The Woodruff plant will utilize sixth-generation battery technology to enhance energy density by over 20% and improve charging speed and range by up to 30%, while also reducing CO2 emissions from cell production by up to 60%.
- Sustainability is a core feature of the Woodruff facility, which will operate on 100% green electricity and incorporate innovations like solar-ready construction and CO2-injected concrete to minimize environmental impact.
“The new battery format will increase energy density by more than 20 percent and improve charging speed and range by up to 30 percent.”
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