Rimac to Supply Advanced Battery Systems for BMW i7 Facelift

Daily Car

08/04/2026

BMW has confirmed a significant partnership with Rimac Technology. The Croatian electric vehicle specialist will supply high-voltage battery systems for the upcoming facelifted BMW i7 flagship sedan. This collaboration has been in development for five years and marks a key step in the evolution of BMW's electric vehicle lineup.

From Modified BMW to Official Supplier

The partnership represents a full-circle moment for Rimac's founder, Mate Rimac, whose journey into electric vehicles began in 2009 with a modified E30 BMW 3-Series. Now, his company is providing a critical component for BMW's top-tier electric sedan. The battery units are developed and built at Rimac's new campus in Zagreb, Croatia, before being shipped to BMW's assembly plant in Dingolfing, Germany. The production line, a €130 million investment, is capable of producing 50,000 full battery systems annually, making it one of the largest industrial projects in Croatia's history.

A Closer Look at the New Battery Technology

The new battery pack introduces advanced technology that promises substantial improvements for the i7. It utilizes 4695-format cylindrical lithium-ion cells. In simple terms, the battery is made of round, can-like cells (46mm wide, 95mm tall) instead of the flat, rectangular "prismatic" cells used previously. This change in shape and chemistry allows for a 20% increase in energy density, which means more electrical energy can be stored in the same amount of space. For the driver, this translates directly into two key benefits: a significantly longer driving range on a single charge and much faster charging times. This technology provides a preview of the advancements planned for BMW's future "Neue Klasse" family of vehicles.

Market Impact and What to Expect

This collaboration highlights a growing industry trend where established automakers partner with specialized technology firms to accelerate innovation in the competitive EV market. It solidifies Rimac's position not just as a builder of electric hypercars but as a major supplier of high-performance EV components. The updated BMW i7, featuring this new battery and other refreshments like a redesigned front end, is scheduled for a global debut at the Auto China 2026 event in Beijing. The partnership ensures that BMW's flagship sedan remains at the forefront of electric vehicle performance and technology.

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