BMW, Tesla in talks over battery and carbon integrants

2014-ECOTY-Tesla-Model-S

In a recent interview with German weekly Der Spiegel, Tesla Motors CEO, Elon Musk has stated that his company and German automotive giant BMW are discussing plans for a possible collaboration concerning technology over batteries and other carbon-based components.

The extent of said collaboration remains sketchy as BMW officials have yet to comment with a spokeswoman from Tesla referring to the meeting as a “casual conversation.” With that said, Elon has been quoted as saying BMW’s production of carbon-based parts as “interesting” and “relatively cost efficient.”

Carbon parts used by BMW are sourced from the company’s joint venture with SGL Group and forms the basis for the passenger cell of its i3 and i8 models. Furthermore, BMW is looking to lower the cost of carbon-fibre production via another collaboration with MAI Carbon Cluster Management GmbH.

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Tesla and BMW executives met earlier in June to discuss the possibility of the construction of a universal-type charging station that will enable different types of electric cars to charge its batteries. “We are talking about whether we can collaborate in battery technology or charging stations,” Elon added.

In addition, Elon also stated that plans are in motion for Tesla to have a battery production plant in Germany in the next five to six years. In relation, Daimler had commented that despite selling its stake in Tesla Motors, the companies will continue to work together notwithstanding the latest development with BMW.

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Gregory Sze

An “actor” by training, Gregory Sze realised that he has had enough of drama in his life. Following his number one passion (acting was actually number two), he decided to make the jump into the realm of automotive journalism. He appreciates the simple things in life – a simple car with nothing but back-to-basics mechanical engineering and minimal electronics on board.

 

Comments

  • gangully on Dec 04, 2014 at 5:12 pm

    thought bmw denied this 2 days ago…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Same L0rrr on Dec 05, 2014 at 12:30 am

      BMW or Tesla high tech… It won’t come to Malaysia, thank you to Proton who need PROTECTION so much.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • kadajawi (Member) on Dec 04, 2014 at 7:06 pm

    Oh, this is great news for all parties involved. BMW getting access to the Tesla battery tech, Tesla getting access to the BMW carbon manufacturing tech. Both parties profit a lot from this.

    I wonder why Tesla would produce batteries in Germany… usually car makers go to Spain or England when they want to manufacture something. Maybe they receive some nice benefits from the government…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • electric on Dec 04, 2014 at 10:08 pm

      I actually think there is not a huge deal really about Tesla’s battery pack. The cells are from Panasonic 18650 cells. Tesla also have gone ‘open source’ with their battery tech. Previously they were secretive on how the cells are actually arranged in the pack.

      The carbon from BMW are high production thermoplastic and will be about economies of scale. Logical for Tesla to consider it.

      On Germany for battery it is simple. Germany, especially former East Germany offer lots of incentives for a venture like that. Spain and England are definitely less attractive although those 2 countries offer good automotive industry. However this is about batteries.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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