BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, South Carolina, has more than doubled its capacity for battery assembly prior to the debuts of X5 and BMW X3 plug-in hybrid electric variants. The new, higher performing, fourth-generation batteries will be assembled on-site.
“We have invested approximately US$10m to install a new battery assembly line and expanded the area to 86,000ft² (7,990m²). This means we could double the number of batteries produced if needed to meet market demand,” said Michael Nikolaides, senior vice president engines and electrified drivetrains, BMW Group.
More than 120 employees have been trained to work the new line, having completed an extensive program in battery production, robotics and electrical inline quality inspection along with end-of-line testing.
In addition, 225 vehicle assembly workers have received training in the production of electrified vehicles.
The 2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e will begin production in Spartanburg on August 1. Production of the BMW X3 xDrive30e will begin in December.
