BMW iX5 60 xDrive hits 460 kW charging peak in joint tech demonstration with IONNA and Alpitronic

BMW Group has demonstrated high-power DC fast charging on the new BMW iX5 60 xDrive, working with charging network operator IONNA and charging hardware manufacturer Alpitronic at an international media event in Southern California.

The demonstration achieved a peak charging power of 460 kW, offering a glimpse of the charging capabilities of BMW's next-generation EV technology.

Gen6 eDrive and a new battery design

The new BMW iX5 follows the iX3 in adopting BMW's sixth-generation eDrive technology, known as Gen6. Built around an 800V electrical architecture, the system is designed to deliver greater range, faster charging and bidirectional charging capability.

The new high-voltage battery uses cylindrical cells, which offer 20% higher volumetric energy density than the prismatic cells used in BMW's fifth-generation battery technology. Net battery capacity is 141 kWh.

With peak DC charging power reaching 460 kW, the iX5 can add up to 363 km (226 miles) of WLTP-rated range in 10 minutes under the stated conditions. Charging from 10% to 80% takes 23 minutes.

BMW, IONNA and Alpitronic work together

The demonstration brought together three companies, each contributing a different part of the charging system.

Dr Thomas Engelhardt, BMW Group's head of high-voltage batteries and charging, said the 460 kW charging capability and the system's intelligent charging functions were key advances in Gen6 eDrive technology, developed to meet the needs of customers worldwide.

IONNA is a public charging network company established by several major global carmakers, including BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Toyota. Its aim is to make public charging more reliable, accessible and cost-effective.

Alpitronic, a manufacturer of high-performance charging systems, supplied the charging hardware for the demonstration. Working with BMW and IONNA, it helped verify the interaction between the next generation of electric vehicles and ultra-high-power charging equipment.

The 460 kW result was achieved in a technology demonstration. The hardware used has not yet been commercially launched in the US.

The demonstration highlights the potential of BMW's Gen6 800V technology and new cylindrical-cell battery to reduce charging stops. The question now is how these charging speeds will translate into everyday use as compatible ultra-high-power chargers become available.