AESC begins mass production of 46120 cylindrical cells for BMW iX5 launch in late 2026
By Eve
AESC has started series production of its 46120 cylindrical battery cells, which will supply multiple BMW Group electric vehicles including the BMW iX5 due for market launch in late 2026 or early 2027. The 46mm by 120mm cells deliver nearly 30 per cent more usable energy per cell than previous formats and achieve up to 310Wh/kg energy density using nickel-rich cathode and silicon-doped anode chemistry. AESC's production line features over 1,000 camera-based inspection stations, full X-ray inspection of every cell, and magnetic levitation transport systems enabling manufacturing precision of up to 0.01 millimetres.
Why it matters: The move signals AESC's entry into large-format cylindrical cell supply for a major European OEM, potentially reshaping procurement strategies for battery integrators targeting premium EV platforms. Higher energy density and simplified pack integration may reduce system costs and open design flexibility for charging infrastructure planners working with next-generation BMW electric fleets.