BMW’s Electrified Range at the Moment
While BMW started dabbling with electrification as far back as the ’70s, the ball really started rolling in the 2010s with the original i3 and i8. While those models didn’t exactly set the market alight, it didn’t stop BMW from gradually adding hybrid vehicles to its range. It started with the ActiveHybrid versions of the 7 Series, 5 Series, and 3 Series, and eventually evolved to the ‘e’ plug-in hybrids we know today.
Right now, nearly every BMW model has a plug-in hybrid option. It’s among the most popular powertrain choices over in Europe thanks to its benefits, and it’s available in most markets. At the same time, its EV lineup has expanded to reach a broader audience, unlike the i3 and i8.
But if there’s one thing missing from BMW’s electrified portfolio, it’s range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs). There were initially plans to add these down the line, but Munich has decided to shelve those in the meantime.
BMW
Confident in its Current Lineup
So, why won’t BMW dip its toes in that powertrain, then? Well, BMW already did it with the i3 REx back in the day, but that was mainly to give the tall hatchback a more meaningful range. But as battery technology improved over time, the product soon became irrelevant to the brand’s needs.
According to BMW Blog, the German automaker said that it already has long-range EVs in its arsenal, negating the need for range extenders. BMW has expressed confidence in its new EV platform, stating that its iX3 is already capable of getting over 500 miles on a single charge.
Joachim Post, the current head of BMW research and development, was quoted as saying, “With the Neue Klasse, we have our sixth iteration of the battery cells, and we have made a huge contribution here to range. We don’t think that there is any cause for concern about range there. If we have a range of far beyond 800 kilometers and 400 kilowatts charge power, we’re of course keeping an eye on all of the options out there and seeing whether range extenders are something that we need to integrate into our portfolio. At the moment, particularly with what we have with the Neue Klasse, we think we’re in a very good position without that.”
BMW
Good Strategy or Risky Move?
It’s one thing to believe in your product, and another to look at reality. While it’s true that the range of its Neue Klasse models is truly impressive, not all markets are immediately willing to embrace pure electric power in their vehicles. Range extenders have become a hit in countries where charging infrastructure isn’t as robust as, say, Europe, proving that there is a strong market for these.
That said, the company’s lack of REEVs is supplemented by its plug-in hybrid models. The battery-only range these vehicles provide is decent, and overall efficiency is indeed better than that of non-hybrid versions, but REEVs do hold an edge when it comes to fuel economy, especially in heavy traffic. Chinese automakers currently have that sector covered, with countless options ranging from subcompact sedans to large crossovers and even pickup trucks. If the West can’t provide it, China will, and it will attract even more people into its showrooms.
Of course, BMW can further improve its plug-in hybrid tech to combat the wave of Chinese models. It might even reach a point where the range becomes so good that it well and truly eliminates the need for REEVs in the future. Mind you, the company isn’t totally closing the door on it, and it might reverse its decision eventually.
BMW
