BMW Group, the charging network IONNA and charger maker Alpitronic have shown the new BMW iX5 60 xDrive charging at up to 460 kW at an international media event in Laguna Hills, California. The first battery-electric version of the X5 uses BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, which first appeared in the iX3. The partners stress that the 460 kW hardware is a technology demonstration and is not yet available commercially in the US.

A first electric X5 on new Gen6 technology

The iX5 is the first X5 to be offered as a fully battery-electric model. It is launching with the sixth generation of BMW’s eDrive technology, known as Gen6, which made its debut in the BMW iX3 and now moves into the larger SUV.

Gen6 uses an 800V architecture and pairs updated electric motors with a completely new high-voltage battery concept. According to BMW, the result is significantly longer range, faster charging and bidirectional charging.

The new batteries switch to cylindrical cells. BMW says these offer 20% more volumetric energy density than the prismatic cells used in the previous Gen5 system.

Range and charging

BMW quotes a peak DC charging power of up to 460 kW for the iX5 60 xDrive. At that rate, the company says up to 217 miles (around 349 km) of WLTP range can be added in 10 minutes. Charging the 141 kWh (net) battery from 10 to 80 per cent takes 22 minutes, according to the manufacturer.

BMW gives combined WLTP electricity consumption of 23.9–20.1 kWh/100 km.

“Showing the full high-power charging potential of the new BMW iX5 for the first time in front of global media in Southern California, makes us very proud. We want to thank our partners at IONNA and Alpitronic who help to make this demonstration possible with outstanding expertise in their fields of technology. Charging with up to 460 kW, and many new intelligent Charging functions, are key aspects of the technological leap we are taking with our Gen6 eDrive technology, fully focused on our global customers.” — Dr. Thomas Engelhardt, SVP High-Voltage Battery and Charging, BMW Group

A demonstration, not a product

The headline number comes with an important caveat. The partners state that the 460 kW session is a technology demonstration and does not represent charging hardware commercially available in the US today. For now, the iX5’s peak figure is a demonstration of what the car can do rather than something buyers will see at public stations straight away.

Alpitronic, which describes a long-term partnership with BMW, supplied the high-power hardware for the event. The company says the work focuses on making the car and the charger communicate smoothly, so that charging stays fast and simple for drivers.

“Vehicle innovation and charging infrastructure must advance together. Our long-term partnership with BMW gives us a deep understanding of how to bring those technologies together, and this demonstration with IONNA shows what that collaboration can deliver,” said Philipp Senoner, CEO and co-founder of Alpitronic.

IONNA’s role

IONNA presents its network as the link between vehicle technology and dependable public charging. It says its priorities are reliability, backed by interoperability testing; affordability, including charging discounts for eligible BMW drivers; and convenience, through digital integration and site locations planned around drivers’ journeys.

“This collaboration is translating next-generation charging technology into an experience drivers can trust,” said Seth Cutler, CEO of IONNA. “By bringing together BMW’s vehicle innovation, Alpitronic’s high-power charging hardware expertise and IONNA’s customer-first network, we are helping redefine what public charging should be, while building a foundation for what comes next.”

What it means

For buyers, the more useful figures are probably the 22-minute 10–80 per cent time and the 141 kWh net battery, not the 460 kW peak. How fast the iX5 charges in everyday use will depend on how quickly public chargers that can deliver this much power are rolled out.

Facts: BMW iX5 60 xDrive

  • Powertrain: Gen6 eDrive, 800V technology, bidirectional charging
  • Battery: 141 kWh (net), cylindrical cells
  • Peak DC charging power: up to 460 kW (demonstration)
  • Range added in 10 minutes: up to 217 miles (around 349 km), WLTP
  • 10–80 per cent charge: 22 minutes
  • Combined consumption (WLTP): 23.9–20.1 kWh/100 km

BMW has not announced pricing or an on-sale date in this release.

Source: www.press.bmwgroup.com