Rimac to build high-tech batteries for future BMW electric cars

Croatian electric hypercar company Rimac has gone into business with BMW to produce high-voltage batteries for the German brand’s vehicles.

The long-term deal, announced by the companies this week, will see electric-car specialist Rimac manufacture advanced battery systems for the next generation of BMW’s electric vehicles at its site in Zagreb, Croatia – with a “significant portion” of the Rimac facility dedicated to the project.

It’s thought this could potentially include BMW’s Neue Klasse models, although specific details of the arrangement, the two firms said, will be revealed at a later date.

Rimac said the partnership was “the largest and most ambitious project the company has undertaken to-date”.

"My business journey began with a 1984 BMW 3 Series that I converted into an electric car in my garage at the age of 20, so it’s a perfect piece of symmetry to partner with the BMW Group today,” said Rimac founder, Mate Rimac.

“This marks a pivotal moment in the growth of Rimac Technology, from humble beginnings to a major long-term partnership with one of the greatest automotive brands in the world. It’s a clear sign of the transition of Rimac Technology from niche high-performance supplier to high-volume production capability.” 

BMW didn’t provide details about any specific future models – or which of the BMW, Mini or Rolls-Royce brands might be involved – that might use the Rimac-sourced battery packs, but hinted the project might include some exclusivity, intended for “select battery-electric vehicles”, reports Carscoops.