BMW was the only carmaker from outside China to take home a technology award at the 2026 World New Energy Vehicle Congress. As used in the Neue Klasse, the BMW Gen6 battery took the prize.
Judges at the congress, known as WNEVC, gave BMW the “Global New Energy Vehicle Innovative Technology” award. They recognised the key technologies of the Gen6 high-voltage battery, which is based on BMW’s new round cells with a high-nickel cathode. BMW was also recognised for technological innovation at the congress for the fifth consecutive year, and the sixth time overall.
Jochen Goller, BMW AG board member for Customer, Brands, Sales, said, “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.”
Inside BMW Gen6 Battery Development
BMW Gen6 battery technology is central to the Neue Klasse. Sixth-generation BMW eDrive is the foundation of the Neue Klasse, and BMW plans to introduce it gradually across its entire fully-electric range. In a world of ever dizzying science, this is quite a gong.
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ABOVE: Neue Klasse
The same platform underpins BMW iX3, which holds the door shut to save passing cyclists, and BMW M Concept Neue Klasse, which took electric power to Le Mans.
Going from the fifth generation to the sixth, BMW filed applications for more than 500 patents. It develops and produces the battery in-house across the whole value chain, starting with cell chemistry and moving through battery development and production to integration into the car. BMW designed it as a global product, built to meet safety requirements worldwide.
Round Cells Straight Into the Pack
Every battery in the Gen6 range is designed for 800V architecture and enables bidirectional charging. The pack uses a cell-to-pack layout, so the cells go straight into the pack with no modules in between. BMW’s aim with that layout is higher energy density at pack level and better use of the space.
The new round cells have a steel housing with integrated safety mechanisms. Around them is multi-stage insulation with thermal and energy management.
Thomas Engelhardt, Senior Vice President Development High-Voltage Batteries, Charging, at BMW Group, said, “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.”
Mounted on the battery is the Energy Master, hardware and software that BMW developed in-house. It manages the flow of energy and supplies power to the e-drives and to the car’s electrical system. It’s also the data interface for the battery.
The Energy Master works with both 400V and 800V charging infrastructure, and it’s the part that enables bidirectional charging. BMW designed the whole system for what it calls technology openness, so other cell technologies can be integrated later.
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Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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