BMW is expanding its sustainability strategy with the updated BMW i7, introducing new technologies and production methods aimed at reducing emissions across the vehicle’s lifecycle.
The latest improvements focus on cleaner battery production, increased use of recycled materials, and more renewable energy at the manufacturing stage. Together, these changes show how premium EVs can reduce their environmental impact while maintaining performance and refinement.
Gen6 Battery Cells Help Cut Supply Chain Emissions
One of the biggest changes in the new BMW i7 is the introduction of sixth-generation battery cell technology.
BMW says the Gen6 battery cells used in the high-voltage battery are produced entirely with renewable energy. The same renewable energy standard also applies to production of the battery’s anode and cathode active materials.
To further lower emissions, BMW is also using more secondary raw materials in battery cell production, including recycled lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
As a result, the supply chain carbon footprint of the Gen6 battery cell in the BMW i7 60 xDrive has been reduced by around 33% compared to the previous Gen5 battery setup.
For EV buyers, this matters because battery production remains one of the most carbon-intensive parts of building an electric vehicle. Cutting emissions at this stage can significantly improve overall sustainability.
Recycled Aluminum Wheels Coming in 2026
BMW is also increasing the use of recycled materials beyond the battery.
Starting in 2026, selected wheel designs for the BMW i7 will feature up to 70% secondary aluminum. The remaining primary aluminum will be produced partly using renewable energy, while rim manufacturing will also benefit from cleaner energy sources.
This move helps reduce resource use and production emissions without affecting durability or quality.
BMW says all recycled-content components must meet the same standards as conventionally sourced parts, ensuring owners do not have to trade quality for sustainability.
EfficientDynamics Still Plays a Key Role
Beyond manufacturing, BMW continues to focus on reducing energy use during everyday driving.
Its long-running EfficientDynamics package remains central to the new BMW 7 Series. The system improves efficiency through better aerodynamics, lightweight materials, lower rolling resistance, and smarter energy management.
These technologies help maximize range and reduce electricity consumption in real-world driving.
Cleaner Production at BMW’s Dingolfing Plant
All versions of the new BMW 7 Series, including the i7, are built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.
BMW has been increasing renewable energy use at the facility, which serves as its main production hub for luxury models.
The plant now sources 100% of its external electricity from renewables, with part of that energy also generated on site. In late 2025, BMW commissioned a rooftop solar installation covering around 100,000 square meters, with nearly 11 MWp of capacity.
A new biomass heating plant also began operating recently, helping supply part of the site’s heat demand with renewable energy.
BMW’s Broader Climate Targets
These updates align with BMW’s wider climate strategy, which supports the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and the company’s aim to reach net zero by 2050.
BMW says it plans to reduce CO2e emissions by at least 40 million tonnes by 2030 compared with 2019 levels.
To improve transparency, BMW also publishes product carbon footprint data for the BMW 7 Series through its Vehicle Footprint reports and the My BMW app.
For buyers in the premium EV segment, the updated BMW i7 shows that luxury, performance, and lower lifecycle emissions can increasingly go hand in hand.
