BMW will establish five large-scale electric vehicle battery plants in partnership with electric vehicle battery partners. According to foreign media such as Germany’s Manager Magazine, Yohaim Post, the BMW purchasing director, said in a recent media meeting, “In the future, we will operate a Gigafactory in an area that produces electric vehicles,” adding, “We will push to establish five Gigafactory.” Giga Factory refers to a large-scale battery plant built in Nevada by Tesla in cooperation with Panasonic in 2014. Since then, it has been collectively used as a term for large-scale battery production facilities.

BMW recently released iX (left) and i4 (right) electric vehicles in South Korea. BMW Group plans to build a joint battery plant in Europe to expand sales of pure electric vehicles. /BMW Group Korea
BMW recently released iX (left) and i4 (right) electric vehicles in South Korea. BMW Group plans to build a joint battery plant in Europe to expand sales of pure electric vehicles. /BMW Group Korea
BMW has been classified as a “cautious person” who does not want to rush to switch electric vehicles, and has been reluctant to directly produce batteries due to the lack of technology for mass production of batteries. The remarks made by the Post are interpreted as a complete reversal. BMW’s rival Volkswagen also said it will build six battery plants through joint ventures by 2030.

BMW did not disclose specific information such as which area it will set up the plant and with whom it will join hands with. BMW is receiving battery cells from China’s CATL, Sweden’s North Bolt and South Korea’s Samsung SDI. Northbolt recently announced its plan to build a battery plant in Germany, which analysts say may become a gigapactory established and operated with BMW. In addition, some observers say that Samsung SDI, BMW’s longtime partner, will also benefit from being selected as a joint venture partner. As BMW aims to make up 50 percent of all vehicles sold by 2030, plans to build a battery factory are also expected to speed up.