BMW Adds LFP Batteries to Neue Klasse EVs
BMW confirmed that some Neue Klasse electric models will use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries alongside nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistry.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
BMW CEO Milan Nedeljković confirmed the Neue Klasse electric lineup will use both NMC and LFP batteries, with the LFP rollout limited rather than universal. The entry-level iX3 30L developed for China already uses an LFP battery, while the 40L and 50L versions keep NMC chemistry.
Why it matters
The split reflects BMW's view that NMC technology currently leads in the market and is delivering strong range results in China, while LFP offers a different cost structure and range profile. For international buyers, battery chemistry is becoming a model-by-model distinction within the same electric platform.
The i3 offers up to 912 km of range, about 100 km more than the iX3, and the Neue Klasse uses 46-millimetre large-format NMC round cells with an 800-volt architecture. The new round cells deliver roughly 20 per cent higher energy density than prismatic NMC cells, but BMW has not said when LFP-equipped models will reach Europe.
The players
BMW
BMW is a German luxury automaker whose Neue Klasse platform is positioned as the foundation of its next generation of electric vehicles.
Milan Nedeljković
Milan Nedeljković is the chief executive of BMW who confirmed the company's dual-chemistry battery strategy for the Neue Klasse.
The details
The Neue Klasse will use cell-to-pack integration, placing battery cells directly into the high-voltage pack, with the pack forming part of the vehicle structure under a pack-to-open-body design. The LFP rollout is not blanket: the iX3 30L for China uses LFP, while the higher-output 40L and 50L variants retain NMC.
Timeline
BMW announced its LFP plans on November 9, 2026, during its Q3 results call.
Roadmap
BMW's Neue Klasse platform, launched with the iX3, is now being split across NMC and LFP chemistries, a move that mirrors the broader automaker trend of matching battery type to regional cost and range demands. The decision positions BMW to compete on price in China while keeping its higher-range NMC offerings in other markets.
Buyers choosing a Neue Klasse model will need to check which battery chemistry is fitted, since the LFP-equipped iX3 30L and the NMC-equipped 40L and 50L differ in range and cost. The i3's up to 912 km of range offers the longest reach on the platform for drivers prioritizing distance.
The takeaway
Battery chemistry is becoming a model-level decision rather than a platform-level one, so buyers should compare cell type alongside range and price when evaluating electric vehicles. Shoppers focused on cost may find LFP variants appealing, while those prioritizing maximum range should look at NMC models.
Further reading
Explore more on Electric Vehicles to see how battery chemistry choices are shaping the EV market.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Electrive.
