The conclusion comes from the CEO of BMW, Harald Krueger, who, in statements reproduced by the news agency Reuters, revealed that “we want to wait for the arrival of the fifth generation, as it should provide greater profitability. Also for this reason, we do not plan to increase the production volume of the current fourth generation”.
Also according to Krueger, the difference, in terms of costs, between the fourth and fifth generations of electric vehicles from BMW, should reach "double digits". Since, “if we want to win the race, we have to try to be the most competitive in the segment, in terms of costs. Otherwise, we will never be able to think of mass production”.
Electric mini and X3 remain for 2019
It should be remembered that BMW unveiled its first electric vehicle, the i3, in 2013, and since then it has been working on the development of several generations of batteries, software and electric motor technology.
For 2019, the Munich manufacturer is planning to launch the first 100% electric Mini, while it has already announced the decision to start production of the electric version of the SUV X3.
Production brake, investment accelerator
However, despite the statements of the BMW CEO reveal a kind of entry into "neutral" regarding electric mobility, the truth is that, earlier this week, it announced an increase in investment in research and development in electric vehicles . More precisely, a total of seven billion euros, with the stated objective of being able to place on the market a total of 25 electrified models by 2025.
Of these proposals, half should be 100% electric, with autonomy of up to 700 kilometers, also revealed BMW. Among them is the already announced i4, a four-door saloon, pointed out as a direct rival of the Tesla Model S.
Also in the field of electric mobility, Harald Krueger revealed that BMW has chosen Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), as its partner in China, for the manufacture of cells for the batteries.
