It’s a tale as old as time in the modern automotive industry—electric vehicle (EV) startups burst onto the scene with grand visions, only to disappear when the challenging reality of manufacturing at scale and generating profits hits. Amidst the rollercoaster of ambitious promises and underwhelming performances, some EV startups have emerged outside of China as beacons of success, carving out sustainable fiscal paths.
Rimac’s Stellar Performance in the EV Landscape
One such success story is Rimac, an EV manufacturer that sets the bar high with record-shattering, high-performance cars that don’t just turn heads but turn out real results. In dramatic fashion, Rimac’s Nevera overshadowed the venerable Tesla Model S Plaid, albeit with a price tag that’s in another league.
Investments from global automakers such as Hyundai, Kia, and Porsche, with Porsche upping its stake to 24% in 2021, demonstrate the industry’s serious vote of confidence in Rimac. The latest strategic maneuver comes with a partnership between Rimac and luxury auto stalwart BMW, signaling a leap forward in BMW’s ambitious EV narrative.
Rimac’s New Venture: Powering BMW with High-Voltage Batteries
Beyond making waves with its jaw-dropping vehicles, Rimac has proven its prowess in the battery technology realm. So much so that BMW—a brand noted for its in-house battery innovations—is now looking to Rimac’s tech to propel its electric ambitions forward. It’s significant to note that BMW’s newest ally, Rimac, already has a strong connection to Porsche, a direct competitor under the Volkswagen Group umbrella.
The Groundbreaking Partnership
This collaboration isn’t just business as usual for Rimac. The deal is being hailed as Rimac’s largest and most complex project to date, elevating the company into an era of increased production volumes and technological advancement. These new batteries will emanate from the sprawling Rimac Campus in Croatia, a testament to the weight of this undertaking.
Mate Rimac, the entrepreneurial mind who turned a vintage BMW 3 Series into an electric marvel in his garage at 20, is now steering his company into a strategic alignment with the BMW Group. This partnership reflects not just a full-circle moment but a monumental stride in Rimac’s evolution—from a boutique, high-performance component manufacturer to a powerhouse of high-volume electric component production.
The Future of High-Performance EVs and Batteries
While the nitty-gritty details of the collaboration remain under wraps, it’s evident that BMW sees Rimac as a critical ally in advancing its high-performance battery technology and fortifying its legacy as a creator of premium electric vehicles. With over 15 years of experience in battery and electric drive systems, BMW brings its considerable expertise to this new venture, while Rimac’s innovative spirit and technological agility promise to push the envelope even further.
This alliance marks not just an evolution of BMW’s electrification strategy but a fusion of strengths that could redefine the standards for high-performance electric mobility.
