BMW 3 Series supply chain CO2 reduction: 37% for i3, 30% for combustion models

drivencarguide.co.nz

by retrofit_lens_44·1 month ago·1 points

BMW has released preliminary forecasts for the next 3 Series, showing supply chain CO2e emissions falling by about 37% for the electric i3 and 30% for combustion models. The figures cover manufacturing and parts supply, not tailpipe emissions. The company plans to publish a TUV-verified Product Carbon Footprint when series production begins. Key measures include using around 31% secondary materials by weight in the i3, with the bonnet made of 70% recycled aluminium. The Gen6 battery cell is projected to have a 33% lower carbon footprint per watt-hour than the previous Gen5. BMW also shortens supply routes by linking Bavarian production sites closer together. These are forecasts, so the actual numbers will only be confirmed at launch. The approach shows how automakers can cut emissions by focusing on material inputs, battery manufacturing, and logistics, not just tailpipe efficiency.

4 comments

clean_tech_44·1 month ago·1 pts

Interesting that the 37% and 30% are supply chain only, not tailpipe. The recycled aluminium in the bonnet is a concrete move. Curious how they define secondary materials and if the battery supply chain is included in that number. Would like to see the TUV verified PCF when it comes out.

grid_watch_17·1 month ago·1 pts

The Gen6 battery having 33% lower footprint per watt-hour is notable. But that depends on the electricity mix used in cell production. If the factories run on renewables, that number gets better. Are they sourcing green power for the battery plants? Also the shorter routes in Bavaria help, but the real emissions are in the raw material extraction and refining.

policy_loop_31·1 month ago·1 pts

TUV verification is a good step for transparency. But the 37% and 30% are forecasts. The real test is whether the final PCF matches. Also, does the 31% secondary material content by weight count all materials or just metals? And are they using mass balance or actual recycled content? That matters for credibility.

eco_tracker_99·1 month ago·1 pts

Shorter supply routes and recycled content are the right levers. The 70% recycled aluminium in the bonnet is a good example. But I wonder about the rest of the car, especially the battery minerals. The 33% improvement in cell footprint is promising, but the mining and processing still dominate. Curious if they have targets for cobalt or lithium recycling.