The New BMW iX

Updates from Audi, TotalEnergies, and more.

👋 Watts up? BMW has just revealed the facelifted version of its iX SUV, boasting a revamped interior and exterior, as well as a boost in range and performance. The redesign features 3 new variants, with ranges of up to 701 kilometres and power outputs of 659 horsepower. Speaking of high power, TotalEnergies and STMicroelectronics have recently signed a PPA, whereby 1.5 TWh of clean energy will be supplied to ST’s sites in France. Learn more on these stories, and others, in todays issue.

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The new BMW iX - a boost in performance and style

Image Credits: BMW Group

🚗 BMW originally introduced the iX in 2020, it was the company’s first electric SUV and it’s safe to say it sparked plenty of debate. Now, BMW has just unveiled a facelifted version, featuring enhanced performance and an extended range.

The facelifted model will include 3 new variants, the iX xDrive45, iX xDrive60, and the top-tier iX M70 xDrive.

Thanks to the optimisation of performance electronics and advancements in battery technology, the iX line now boasts a range of up to 701 kilometres (or 435 miles). The new battery cell increases energy content by around 30% in the xDrive45, now at 94.8 kWh. The xDrive60 and M70 xDrive variants also feature higher-capacity batteries of 109.1 kWh and 108.9 kWh, respectively. Charging capabilities have also been improved, supporting upwards of 195 kW DC fast charging on the higher-end model.

Performance wise, the xDrive45 produces 300 kW (408 hp), the xDrive60 produces 400 kW (544 hp), and the M70 xDrive produces 485 kW (659 hp), with upwards of 1,100 Nm of torque when launch control is activated.

Now, there’s a handful of extra upgrades we’d love to talk about, but if we did, the newsletter would probably be too large to send. So, if you want to read more about it, you can check out BMW’s press release here.

Also, according to a report from Nikkei Asia, Honda are planning to introduce a sub $30k small electric vehicle in North America, potentially as early as 2026. The move is part of Honda’s strategy to boost its presence within the EV market.

Audi simulates global power grids to test EV charging

Image Credits: Audi

🔋 Audi has introduced a new electric-charging test centre at its Ingolstadt site, allowing its electric vehicles to be tested under the diverse charging conditions presented from across the global market. Whether operating at 110 or 230 volts, or at 50 or 60 hertz, the facility ensures that EVs can be charged seamlessly in regions like China or the United States.

The 500 kW grid simulator, developed in collaboration with Bosch Rexroth and Schmidbaur, can deliver voltages ranging from 100 to 540 volts and frequencies between 40 and 65 hertz. It supports single-phase, two-phase, and three-phase networks, as well as split-phase operation.

By conducting comprehensive tests within its own facility, Audi’s engineers can analyse the interaction between electric cars and charging stations, making necessary software adjustments to optimise compatibility.

Also, battery manufacture Northvolt has recently asked shareholders for investments of over $1.2 billion over the course of the next two years, hoping to restore the company from bankruptcy.

TotalEnergies to supply STMicroelectronics with 1.5 TWh of clean energy

Image Credits: Pexels

☀️ TotalEnergies and STMicroelectronics have signed a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to supply renewable energy for STMicroelectronics’ sites in France. The agreement, which started this month, covers 1.5 TWh of clean energy, generated by two recently developed wind and solar farms that are operated by TotalEnergies.

The contract is a first of its kind in France, providing a steady “baseload” supply of renewable electricity. A key factor in the deal’s success was the positive environmental and community impact of the renewable projects involved.

Sophie Chevalier, Senior VP of Flexible Power at TotalEnergies, noted: “TotalEnergies aims to be a preferred partner to support tech industry players towards their decarbonization efforts, and this agreement showcases our commitment and capabilities.“

Meanwhile, the CPO of STMicroelectronics, Geoff West, shared a similar view, stating: “This first PPA in France marks yet another important step towards ST’s goal of becoming carbon neutral in its operations by 2027, including the sourcing of 100% renewable energy by 2027.“

STMicroelectronics has already signed several more PPA’s to support its operations in both Italy and Malaysia.

Also, FlexGen Power Systems, which specialises in energy storage solutions, has secured funding of $75 million from J.P. Morgan, hoping to expand its operations and strengthen its technology offerings.

Infineon releases new EiceDRIVER ICs designed for electric vehicles

Image Credits: Infineon

📱 Infineon has expanded its EiceDRIVER range with new isolated gate driver ICs designed to enhance electric vehicle performance. This module is the first plug-and-play power solution integrating both silicon and SiC technologies, designed to optimise efficiency of traction inverters in high-performance xEV platforms.

The new gate drivers, including the 1EDI302xAS for IGBT applications and 1EDI303xAS for SiC and Fusion configurations, are both AEC-qualified and ISO 26262-compliant. The 1EDI3025AS, 1EDI3026AS, and 1EDI3035AS variants offer a robust 20 A output stage, supporting inverters of all power classes beyond 300 kW. Meanwhile, the 1EDI3028AS and 1EDI3038AS variants, with a 15 A output stage, are suited for entry-level battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle inverters.

A key feature of these gate drivers is their new tuneable soft-off function, which enhances short-circuit performance. Furthermore, additional integrated safety functions, such as overcurrent protection, help detect and manage system errors effectively.

With these advancements, Infineon is aiming to support the growing demand for high-performance, cost-effective electric vehicle inverters, enabling greater efficiency and safety within the next-generation of mobility solutions.

Also, Punch Powertrain has developed a cutting-edge 800V high-power inverter, the IV5, designed for diverse automotive applications.

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