Chinese battery producer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) and the BMW Group Friday announced a multi-year agreement to supply cylindrical battery cells to power the German carmaker's new electric vehicle models based on its Neue Klasse platform starting from 2025.

According to the agreement, CATL will deliver the new cylindrical battery cells to the BMW Group. They come with a standard diameter of 46 mm and will be produced at two of CATL's future battery plants in China and Europe, each with an annual capacity of up to 20 GWh dedicated to the BMW Group.

Powered by CATL's new cells, the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology used in the Neue Klasse models is a major leap in EV technology regarding energy density, charging speed, and range, according to a press release.

"The BMW Group is a special and primary partner to CATL, and we are glad to expand our strategic partnership that has been forged and strengthened over the past 11 years," said Robin Zeng, founder and chairman of CATL.

"With our diverse cutting-edge portfolio of products and technologies, we are confident to offer the best solution to power the BMW Group's future-generation electric luxury vehicles," said Zeng.

"We are delighted that the BMW Group and CATL are expanding their successful cooperation. We will continue our partnership for the next generation of battery cells from 2025 onwards," said Joachim Post, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network.