BMW closes the last loose ends to start production of the Neue Klasse in the United States

BMW has successfully overcome a significant obstacle that could have jeopardised the start of production in the United States, keeping on schedule for the first models of the Neue Klasse.

AESC, the Japanese battery cell manufacturer selected by the Bavarian firm as main supplier for this platform, unexpectedly halted work on a new and vital production plant in Florence (South Carolina) in June of last year. At the time, the decision was attributed to uncertainty caused by possible changes in economic policies and conditions in the US market, raising doubts as to whether BMW could meet its goal of starting production of Neue Klasse models at its Spartanburg plant during 2026.

The innovative Neue Klasse platform, characterised by its 800-volt architecture and the use of sixth-generation cylindrical cells with greater efficiency, was already unveiled in Europe last September with the fully electric iX3 SUV at the IAA show. In the United States, however, the established plan was to begin production at the Spartanburg plant of vehicles based on this new platform by the end of 2026, starting with the new iX5.

All under control

Following the initial doubts, the Bavarian manufacturer has now confirmed that the problem with AESC’s production plant has been resolved in a completely satisfactory manner. According to a representative of the Bavarian firm, there is no risk whatsoever of a shortage of battery cells at the Spartanburg plant.

Finally, the high-voltage battery assembly facility in Woodruff will begin operating as scheduled in 2026, and towards the end of that same year production of fully electric vehicles from BMW will begin in Spartanburg.

To make this possible, AESC will temporarily supply all the battery cells the Bavarian manufacturer needs from other facilities in its global production network. In this way, BMW guarantees the continuity of its plans without delays, thereby maintaining its commitment to local production in the United States.

Finally, it should be noted that it is not yet entirely clear whether, in the long term, the cells will continue to come exclusively from AESC or whether BMW will incorporate other suppliers to diversify its supply. In any case, what matters is that the path towards US production of the Neue Klasse is now clear, allowing the brand to move forward with confidence in its electric transition in the North American market.