Cars

BMW Secures Record-Breaking EV Order in Belgium: 1,000 Vehicles

Published

11 seconds ago

June 6, 2026

BTI Team

KATOEN NATIE BUYS 1,000 BMW AND MINI EVS 1

BMW Group Belux and Katoen Natie Partner for Largest EV Order in Belgium

Article Summary

The agreement between BMW Group Belux and Katoen Natie will see the replacement of over 1,000 combustion-powered vehicles with electric vehicles, resulting in a substantial reduction of 3,350 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

Additionally, Katoen Natie estimates that fuel consumption across its fleet will decrease by 800,000 liters as a result of this transition.

The new electric vehicle fleet will predominantly feature the BMW iX1 and MINI Countryman models, with the iX3 and i3 also included in the contract.

BMW Group Belux has secured a significant deal with logistics giant Katoen Natie, marking the largest EV order ever placed by a single car manufacturer in Belgium. The agreement entails the supply of 1,000 electric vehicles as part of Katoen Natie’s fleet decarbonization strategy.

By the end of 2027, Katoen Natie aims to fully transition from combustion-powered vehicles to electric models, with a mix of BMW and MINI vehicles making up the order. The contract specifies that the iX1 and Countryman will be the primary choices, accompanied by the iX3 and i3 from the Neue Klasse series.

While production of the iX3 is already in full swing at BMW’s Debrecen plant, the i3 is scheduled to commence production in Munich later this year. The iX1 crossover is set to undergo a generational update in 2027 and will be integrated into the Neue Klasse lineup. The future of the electric Countryman remains uncertain, although it may align with this strategic direction.

Cutting The Carbon Footprint

Katoen Natie’s analysis projects a significant environmental impact from the transition to electric vehicles, with an expected annual reduction of 3,350 tons of CO2 emissions and a decrease of 800,000 liters in fuel consumption. To support the influx of EVs, the company plans to enhance its charging infrastructure and invest further in renewable energy sources.

This collaboration builds upon BMW and Katoen Natie’s existing partnership in Thailand, where Katoen Natie supports BMW’s production operations in Rayong. The expanded agreement emphasizes a joint commitment to electrification, charging infrastructure development, digital mobility services, and innovative logistics solutions.

BMW’s forthcoming Neue Klasse models, including the anticipated i1 and i2, are poised to attract more fleet buyers. The i1 is expected to fill the niche left by the i3 hatchback’s discontinuation in 2022, serving as an electric version of the 1 Series. The i2 is positioned as an EV alternative to the 2 Series Gran Coupe.

With competitive pricing, the iX1, iX3, electric Countryman, and MINI models offer a range of options for customers, catering to varying preferences and budgets within the electric vehicle market.