BMW's Gen6 battery is the new-generation battery system for BMW's Neue Klasse models. On October 15, 2026, BMW started Gen6 battery production in Shenyang, using 4695 and 46120 large cylindrical cells supplied at scale by CATL and EVE Energy, with the first Neue Klasse model, the iX3, planned for delivery from November, and Gen6 battery project investment of about 10 billion yuan. The direct meaning is this: local production of large cylindrical cells has entered the delivery stage, and behind rising cell output, demand for metal joining steps such as tab welding will rise too.
1. What information does the Shenyang Gen6 launch contain?
The reported facts first: the launch location is Shenyang, the battery is the Gen6 system, the cells are 4695 and 46120 large cylindrical formats, the suppliers are CATL and EVE Energy, and the first model, the iX3, is planned for delivery in November. One wording caveat: this is company production news and media reporting, and starting production is not the same as full output — ramp-up pace and specific volumes should be confirmed against later company disclosures. Large cylindrical cells differ from prismatic and pouch formats, and a change in cell format flows through to module and pack joining processes. That structural change is what welding equipment suppliers need to watch, not just any single order.
2. Why do large cylindrical cells set new demands for welding?
From a general process point of view, three points deserve attention: first, tab structure and joint layout differ from prismatic and pouch cells, so welding tooling and parameters need re-validation for the new structure; second, with many cells and many joints per pack, inconsistency in a single weld can grow into a system reliability risk after grouping; third, mass-production cycle time is demanding — welding equipment must guarantee single-point quality while keeping up with line speed. It should be stressed that public reports do not disclose the specific welding process of BMW's Gen6 line, the welding angle here is an inference based on common industry practice, it does not represent BMW's official position, and this article covers no order or tender information.
3. What should buyers check when selecting tab welding equipment?
Ultrasonic metal welding is a common tab welding process: it produces no sparks, needs no solder, and suits thin copper, aluminium and other non-ferrous metals. Four checks are suggested: first, weld strength and consistency — the smaller the pull-force variation within a batch, the better; second, weld appearance and tab damage — welding should not pierce the tab or damage its coating; third, multi-format flexibility — whether changeover is easy when switching between large cylindrical cell sizes; fourth, process data recording — welding energy, time and other parameters should be traceable for quality management and fault location. Always validate with trials using the actual tab material and stack structure before selecting.
4. What does this mean for suppliers and buyers?
For battery chain buyers, the Shenyang Gen6 launch shows the local supply chain for large cylindrical cells is thickening; when evaluating suppliers, delivery stability and consistency during ramp-up matter as well as cell specifications. For welding equipment suppliers, the opportunity is not in any single carmaker's line but in the overall scale-up pace of large cylindrical cells: as long as large cylindrical cells are expanding, tab and busbar welding remain unavoidable steps. If you are selecting tab welding equipment for a large cylindrical cell line, feel free to contact Shanghai Jingjin for a free welding sample test.