BMW Group opens new plant in Germany, starts production of EV batteries

The BMW Group officially opened its new Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen in Bavaria, marking the start of series production. Just two-and-a-half years after construction began, the facility is now supplying sixth-generation high-voltage batteries to BMW Group Plant Munich for installation in the BMW i3.

“The new plant plays a key role in our production network: As the central platform, it will supply our German vehicle plants with sixth-generation high-voltage batteries”, said Raymond Wittmann, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Production. “In this way, our high-tech plant in Irlbach-Straßkirchen is making a vital contribution to the ramp-up of the Neue Klasse.”

The BMW Group’s investment of around one billion euros underlines the company’s commitment to Germany’s industrial base. “With our Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen, we are sending a strong signal: for our technological competitiveness, for electromobility – and for Germany as a business location”, Wittmann emphasises. “We are convinced that successful industrial production in this country will remain possible in the future. The decisive factor is a reliable and competitive framework.”

Construction of the plant on the 60-hectare site and installation of the production facilities was completed in record time: Less than two years elapsed between the start of construction in April 2024 and the production of the first pre-series battery in March 2026.

In September 2023, the municipality of Straßkirchen held a referendum on the construction of the plant. A significant majority of over 75 percent of residents approved the construction of the BMW Group plant – with very high voter turnout of around 77 percent. “Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen shows what is possible in Germany when everyone involved works towards the same goal,” said Wittmann. “The location in Eastern Bavaria offers ideal conditions: highly skilled employees, modern production structures, short distances within the German plant cluster and a highly efficient regional environment. This puts us in an optimal position for continued growth and increasing demand for fully electric vehicles.”