Siemens and BAIC form JV to produce high efficiency electric powertrain systems for NEVs
21 April 2014
Siemens AG and Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co., Ltd. (BAIC), one of the major Chinese carmakers, signed a joint venture agreement at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition and outlined their plan to utilize Siemens’ electric drive train components in a range of BAIC new energy vehicles (NEVs).
The JV, Beijing Siemens Automotive E-Drive System Co., Ltd., will manufacture components for the electric drivetrain including power-electronics and electric motors. The new electric drivetrains consist of a safer and higher power density inverters and highly energy efficient motors. Prototype and small volume production will start in 2014, followed by mass production in a new Beijing-based factory in 2015. The production volume is planned to be more than 100,000 units per year with upside potential.
As the first customer of the new Siemens-BAIC joint venture, BAIC plans to utilize the electric power train products for its S, C and L car series. The performance scale of these models ranges from 45 to 200 kW.
This in-depth cooperation between BAIC and Siemens regarding EV motors is a big move for BAIC. We will develop NEVs via integrated global resources and continuous open and integrated innovation. This cooperation will bring the technology of BAIC’s NEV products to the next level. With world-leading motors as the core component, BAIC’s NEV cars, with the strength this partnership adds, will be distinguished even further during this important start-up phase for NEVs in China.
— Xu Heyi, Chairman of BAIC
Siegfried Russwurm, member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Siemens Industry Sector, noted that the joint venture brings two strong brands together.
BAIC is a major player in one of the fastest growing markets for e-Mobility. Siemens is a global innovative pioneer for electric power train solutions. We will pave the way for a higher share of e-Mobility on tomorrow’s roads.
—Siegfried Russwurm
Through EV technology and manufacturing, Beijing Siemens Automotive E-Drive System Co., Ltd. will contribute to Chinese government’s initiative in establishing higher environmental standards by pushing New Energy Vehicle (NEV) technologies, the partners said.
In 2013, BAIC Group sold about 2 million units, with sales revenue of RMB 266 billion (US$43 billion), and profit of RMB 16 billion (US$2.6 billion); it ranked 336 on the 2013 Fortune Global 500.
Interestingly I have seen no comments from the conspiracy theorists addressing the ever-growing number of major industrial power electronic and electromagnetic players in EV technology. I thought Big Oil was crushing all these ideas and investments, buying up patents and creating a whole new wing in the 100 mpg carburetor secret storage facility...
Posted by: Herman | 24 April 2014 at 07:56 AM