BMW's $2.14B electric car battery deal with Northolt falters
2.14 billion dollars – that was supposed to be the value of the contract for producing new cells for BMW electric cars. The keyword is supposed. German media report that Northvolt is "not delivering."
2020—The pandemic is raging, and BMW signs a contract with Northvolt to produce cells for electric cars. This is the third company cooperating with BMW; at that time, cells were also supplied by CATL and Samsung.
2024 – BMW and Northvolt decided to focus on developing the next generation of cells. "Manager Magazine" reports that Northvolt could not deliver the batteries, and they were not of sufficient quality. Orders from two years ago are currently being fulfilled. Samsung is set to fill the gap.
The press also reports that if problems are resolved, BMW plans to use Northvolt-produced cells in upcoming "neue klasse" cars, which are to be manufactured in Heide, northern Germany.
Moreover, Northvolt is seriously considering building a new factory in Borlänge, Sweden.
