The move by BMW to a cylindrical 46mm diameter cell was announced some years ago. We have been looking at the BMW Gen6 Battery System since late 2022 with a slow release of data from BMW since then. A more substantial release and video of the technology being given earlier in 2025: BMW Gen6 EV Battery Technology.
The battery cells are to be made in two sizes:
- 4695 for sedans (46mm in diameter and 95mm tall)
- 46120 for SUVs (46mm in diameter and 120mm tall)
A significant deviation from the original Tesla 4680 cell, but in keeping with the broad offering of 46xx cells.
The first vehicle to use this is the 26MY iX3 and this has given us an insight into the cell and pack: BMW iX3 Neue Klasse Battery.
This pack uses the taller 46120 cell to create a ~113.4 kWh pack.
The latest we have on the cells:
4695
- Nominal Cell
- Voltage = 3.64 V
- Capacity = 32.4 Ah
- Energy ~ 118 Wh
- Assuming the cell dimensions are 46mm diameter and 95mm height
- Energy density ~747 Wh/litre
46120
- Nominal
- Voltage = 3.64 V
- Capacity = 42 Ah
- Energy ~153 Wh
- Energy density ~767 Wh/litre
Manufacturers
BMW have been making prototype cells on their own pilot line [1]. However, volume production cells are to be made by:
- CATL
- Envision AESC
- EVE Energy
- Samsung SDI
References
See also
Tesla 4680 Cell, Cylindrical Cell Comparison 4680 vs 21700 vs 18650