BMW i now also powers electric mobility on the water

BMW i continues to drive sustainable innovation with its futureproof technology and integrated approach. And now the high-voltage battery developed for the i3 is not only powering emissions-free mobility on the road, but on the water too. The BMW Group is supplying lithium-ion batteries from its Dingolfing plant to German company Torqeedo.

The marine drive system manufacturer is using them for energy storage in its high-performance Deep Blue electric drive systems. Torqeedo was founded in 2005 in Starnberg, Germany and is leading on a global basis as a provider of electric and hybrid propulsion systems for motorboats from 1bhp to 158bhp for sailing yachts and commercial marine applications, such as ferries and water taxis.

High-voltage batteries from BMW i will form an integral part of an environment-friendly, cost-effective, silent alternative to conventional boat propulsion systems.

"We see the decision by Torqeedo to use BMW i high-voltage batteries for their Deep Blue propulsion system as further evidence that we can build the drive systems of the future without any need for compromise on performance, innovation and sustainability," explains Dr. Alexander Kotouc, Head of Product Management BMW i. "This successful transfer of the latest automotive technology to the water is testament to the value of the integrated approach that underpins BMW i."

The BMW Group develops and assembles high-voltage batteries for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in-house. The lithium-ion battery created for the BMW i3 comprises eight modules, each containing 12 cells. The connectors, cables, monitoring sensors and heating and cooling system have also been developed specifically for BMW i.