Daimler Buses, BMZ Poland strike partnership for NMC4 e-bus batteries

Daimler Buses and battery systems expert BMZ Poland have entered into a strategic partnership for the development and supply of the next generation of e-bus batteries. The company have vowed to further develop the existing battery technology electric buses in Europe, with customer induction from mid of this decade. 

The new battery generation 'NMC4', succeeding the current 'NMC3' technology, will combine high energy density, resulting in a longer range for e-buses, with an ultra-long cycle life, the partners claim. 

Michael Klein, Chief Operating Officer Daimler Buses, commented on the development, "The collaboration between our companies combines two important aspects: Daimler Buses' expertise in bus development and manufacturing as well as BMZ's know-how in heavy-duty lithium-ion battery solutions". 

"I am excited to see the development of an outstanding new generation of batteries for our electrically powered buses. This collaboration marks an important milestone in the shift towards zero-emission public transport across Europe", he added. 

Battery-powered city buses from Daimler Buses is already in series production since 2018, with intercity e‑buses set to hit the roads by the middle of the decade and electrified coaches by 2030. The bus maker aims to offer locally CO2-neutral models based on batteries or hydrogen in every segment by 2030. Market wise, the company's core focus is initially on Europe and Latin America. 

The BMZ Group, on the other hand, is a global player in the development and production of cross-industry lithium-ion and natrium-ion system solutions, covering the entire value chain from the cell to battery, second life and recycling in electric mobility sectors. 

Tomasz Jankowski, General Manager of BMZ Poland, said, "Development and production of the best-in-class e-bus systems has been our strategy for a decade. We are proud to be able to work with Daimler Buses". 

"I personally treat this nomination as an award for the consistent strategy of growth and investment into the electric bus market. Now, together with Daimler Buses, we will be able to implement this strategy on a much larger scale", he added. 

"We will extend our production in Gliwice, making this facility the first of its kind in the EU built for the purpose of bus battery production along with a fully automatic assembling line", adds Paweł Kępski, Head of Business Unit EV, BMZ Poland.