A major collaboration could be coming between Tesla (TSLA) and BMW, CEO Elon Musk told German Magazine Der Spiegel recently.
“We are talking about whether we can collaborate in battery technology, or charging stations,” Musk was quoted as saying in the interview. He also told the magazine that he thinks Tesla will have a battery plant in Germany in 5-6 years.
Don’t get too excited, as the talks are still informal, but Reuters notes that Tesla and BMW executives met earlier this year to talk about how charging stations could service different types of electric cars. In the interview, Musk also complimented BMW, saying the company’s production of carbon fiber reinforced parts was “interesting” and “relatively cost efficient.”
BMW uses carbon fibers from its joint venture with materials supplier SGL to make reinforced passenger cell parts for its i3 electric hatchback and i8 plug-in hybrid sports car.
BMW officials didn’t comment to either Reuters or Der Spiegel.
Previously, Tesla has worked with Daimler and Toyota (TM).
Daimler, owner of the Mercedes brand, said last month it would continue to collaborate with Tesla even after selling its remaining four percent stake in the U.S. company. Tesla has also worked with Toyota on electric SUVs.
—Reuters contributed to this report.
