BMW is boosting its e-mobility ramp-up and using localized supply chains in line with the “local for local” approach.

The company wants to source battery cells near vehicle production and localize its raw material supply chains. Umicore, a Belgian battery material supplier, is being added to the company’s North American supply chain partners. Umicore’s new Ontario factory will supply cathode active battery materials to AESC, BMW’s battery cell supplier. AESC is establishing a battery cell factory in Florence, South Carolina, using the “local for local” principle. The facility will produce cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells using renewable sources, for BMW eDrive technology with an initial capacity of 30 GWh annually.

“The BMW Group pursues a globally balanced procurement strategy in the three main geographical regions of the world. Our battery cell supplier in the US will source key primary materials from Canada going forward. Canada is playing a strong role in establishing a battery cell supply chain for the BMW Group in North America,” said Joachim Post, member of the Board of Management of BMW responsible for its purchasing and supplier network.

Source: BMW Group