PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
BMW: Paving the way for a sustainable future.
Wed Feb 17 14:21:00 CET 2016 Press Kit
The new BMW 330e and BMW 225xe Plug-in-Hybrid Electric Vehicles.• BMW Light and Charge technology provides a cutting-edge charging solution.• £40 million to boost green cars across the UK.• Hydrogen fuel cell technology offering long range, short refuelling times and zero emissions.• DriveNow and Moovit team up for enhanced journey flexibility.
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Chris Overall
BMW Group
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The BMW Group has long been at the forefront of technological
development. From boosting engine performance through recent
innovations such as the EfficientDynamics programme to its first foray
into hydrogen powered vehicles nearly 40 years ago and the first
electrically-powered 1602 Saloon in 1972, BMW has always pushed the
envelope of progress. Now with government funded initiatives,
increasing customer demand, not to mention rapid development in areas
such as battery technology and other scientific knowledge and
application, BMW is well placed to offer its broadest ever spectrum of
transport possibilities to customers.
In 2016 BMW will have an electric powered vehicle and a range
extender variant, Plug-in-Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) and highly
efficient petrol and diesel internal combustion engines, while also
continuing to develop hydrogen cars. Outside of pure product BMW is
also working with key partners on how people use and fuel their cars
and the growing link between varying transport options. BMW is now the
Ultimate Mobility Provider while still retaining the crown as Ultimate
Driving Machine too.
The new BMW 225xe and BMW 330e Plug-in-Hybrid Electric
vehicles.
The new BMW X5 xDrive40e Plug-in Hybrid
Electric Vehicle was the first such production car from the BMW core
brand. Now for 2016. BMW will offer an additional four PHEVs to
broaden the opportunity to drive ultra-low emission vehicles with all
electric drive capability.
The four new PHEV models, indebted to the BMW i brand for
technology, come in the shape of the BMW 225xe Active Tourer, BMW 330e
Saloon, and later this year the BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive from the
marque’s flagship model. This means BMW will soon offer innovative
PHEV technology in everything from compact models through to
luxury-class cars.
The soon to be launched BMW 225xe Active Tourer shares the BMW
eDrive technology previously seen in the BMW X5 xDrive40e. This
technology includes a number of cutting-edge plug-in hybrid components
that makes a significant contribution to reducing fuel consumption and
emissions. In addition to this, the BMW 225xe also builds on the
experience gained from the BMW i8 as it features xDrive technology.
Producing a total output of 224hp (a combination of the
three-cylinder combustion engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology,
136hp and an electric motor developing 88hp). The combustion engine
sends its power to the front wheels via a six-speed Steptronic
transmission and produces a peak torque of 220Nm but under heavy
acceleration from rest and for overtaking manoeuvres, the power from
the two drive systems combines to gives a peak torque of up to 385Nm.
Its combined fuel consumption of 141.2mpg makes the 225xe one of the
best in its class.
Model | Power ( hp) | Torque (Nm) | 0 – 62mph (Seconds) | Top Speed (mph) | Combined (mpg) | CO 2 Emissions (g/km) | OTR Price from |
BMW 225xe Active Tourer | Electric: 88 Engine: 136 Total: 224 | Electric: 165 Engine: 220 Total: 385 | (6.7) | TBC | 141.2 | 46 | £32,545* |
*HM Government Plug-in Car Grant, up to a maximum £2,500, will be
applied to the on the road price. The receipt of this grant is subject
to the eligibility of the vehicle for the HM Government Plug-in Car
Grant scheme at the point of the vehicle’s first registration in the UK.
The electrified xDrive system allows the driver to call on
electrified all-wheel drive up to speeds of 78mph. With the electric
motor and combustion engine only driving one axle each, the
electrically driven rear axle is added to the conventionally powered
Active Tourer’s front-wheel drive, traction is increased and the BMW
225xe’s handling remains neutral for longer than the models with only
front-wheel drive can claim. A further improvement in driving dynamics
is the result.
As a PHEV, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer with eDrive can charge
its lithium-ion high-voltage battery (gross capacity: 7.6 kWh) by
either brake energy recuperation during a journey or when plugged into
a domestic power socket (in three hours 15 minutes from empty) or the
optional BMW i Wallbox (two hours 20 minutes from empty).
In addition to the BMW Driving Experience Control switch – with
its SPORT, COMFORT and ECO PRO settings, familiar from other BMW
models, the eDrive button in the centre console offers three driving
modes: AUTO eDRIVE, MAX eDRIVE and SAVE BATTERY.
AUTO eDRIVE is the basic setting activated when the car is
started. It ensures the combustion engine and electric motor work
together to optimum effect in all driving situations and gives a
pure-electric top speed of 50mph. MAX eDRIVE allows the car to run on
the electric drive system alone up to a speed of 78mph. With SAVE
BATTERY, the charge of the high-voltage battery can be maintained or,
if it’s already depleted, raised to over 50 per cent during a journey
so that the available electric range can be used later in urban areas,
for example.
BMW ConnectedDrive is also on hand to help lower fuel
consumption. The ConnectedDrive package adds the proactive energy
management function to the mix, which responds to the driving style
and route profile to ensure the plug-in hybrid drive system is used as
efficiently as possible.
The new BMW 225xe builds on the standard equipment of other 2
Series Active Tourer models, but with even greater specification and
unique eDrive design elements. One example of this is eDrive Services
which is offered as standard. This allows the driver to access
various features of the vehicle remotely and also integrates features
of the BMW Online system into the vehicle.
As already seen on the BMW i3, this feature allows customers to
search for Charging Stations in the navigation screen, access charge
settings to allow off-peak charging and pre-conditioning and view
efficiency statistics from with the central iDrive screen and the
instrument cluster. It also allows customers to access features of the
vehicle remotely via an app on compatible smartphones, tablet devices
or computers. This builds on the BMW My Remote app which allows
drivers to check the charging status of their vehicle, set charging
times and search for charging stations whilst on foot. It will also
allow them to pre-condition the vehicle by heating or cooling the
interior whilst it is on charge. Other features also as standard
include BMW Business Navigation, automatic tailgate and Dakota leather upholsteries.
The BMW 225xe arrives in BMW retailers from April 2016 and
prices start at £32,545 OTR*.
The BMW 3 Series Saloon has already set standards for sports
performance and fuel economy in its segment using conventional
combustion engines. And so it provides the perfect environment for an
inspiringly dynamic yet also exceptionally efficient plug-in hybrid
model. Key ingredients here are its intelligent lightweight design,
outstanding aerodynamics for this class of car and the extensive
spread of BMW EfficientDynamics technology fitted as standard.
The new BMW 330e Saloon offers a combined fuel consumption of
148.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 44g/km when it joins the range in 2016.
Its state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid technology combines an 184hp
2.0-litre petrol engine with a 65kW (88hp equivalent) electric motor.
The combined output of 252hp and combined maximum torque of 420Nm give
the BMW 330e Saloon a 0-62mph acceleration time of just 6.1 seconds
and a top speed of 140mph.
The high-voltage battery, made up of lithium-ion cells, is
located underneath the boot and boasts efficient refrigerant cooling
including a highly integrated low-temperature circuit. The battery has
a total capacity of 7.6 kWh, which enables an all-electric and
therefore locally emission-free range of around 25 miles, perfect for
city dwellers and commuters.
The integration of the high-voltage battery in the compartment
under the boot gives the BMW 330e Saloon a level load compartment
floor, while use of the optional through-loading system with 40:20:40
split rear seat backrests remains unrestricted. Together with its boot
capacity of 370 litres, the new BMW 330e therefore offers all the
everyday practicality of a conventionally powered BMW 3 Series Saloon.
Similarly to the BMW 225xe, with the 330e Saloon there is a
choice of three driving modes: AUTOeDRIVE, MAX eDRIVE and SAVE
BATTERY. With AUTO eDRIVE the top electric speed is limited to 50mph
and ensures the combustion engine and electric motor work together to
optimum effect in all driving situations. This mode is activated
automatically as the default setting every time the car is started up.
In MAX eDRIVE mode the BMW 330e Saloon uses the car’s electric power
only, drawing on the electric drive system’s full output. A top speed
of 75mph is possible. SAVE BATTERY mode only utilises the petrol
combustion engine for driving and allows the battery’s energy stores
to be deliberately maintained – or increased again if the charge level
has dropped below 50 percent. This energy can then be used for
pure-electric driving.
Model | Power ( hp) | Torque (Nm) | 0 – 62mph (Seconds) | Top Speed (mph) | Combined (mpg) | CO 2 Emissions (g/km) | OTR Price |
BMW 330e Salooon | Electric: 88 Engine: 184 Total: 252 | Electric: 250 Engine: 290 Total: 420 | 6.1 | 140 | 148.7 | 44 | £33,935* |
*HM Government Plug-in Car Grant, up to a maximum £2,500, will be
applied to the on the road price. The receipt of this grant is subject
to the eligibility of the vehicle for the HM Government Plug-in Car
Grant scheme at the point of the vehicle’s first registration in the UK.
BMW ConnectedDrive works in tandem with the navigation system to
allow even better use of the available electric energy. Here, the
system assists the driver with proactive energy management and
calculates an operating strategy which responds to the driving style
and route profile at hand, ensuring the plug-in hybrid drive system is
used as efficiently as possible.
The system adapts the drive strategy to the overall route
profile. For example, the car uses all-electric power along urban
streets and electric energy is also deployed on uphill sections so
that the system’s full recuperation potential can be used on a
subsequent downhill stretch. This equips the 330e perfectly to offer
local emission-free driving, as well as covering longer stretches
extremely efficiently and with less impact on the environment.
Like all BMW 3 Series models, the 330e has a comfortable and
stylish interior featuring five seats, practical details and the
ergonomic operating concept typical of BMW. Moreover, the BMW 330e
Saloon comes as standard with auxiliary heating and cooling (output:
5kW). This function can be activated by a button on the 330e’s remote
key or can be pre-programmed for a specific departure time using
either the iDrive operating system or via the BMW Remote smartphone
app. The details are shown on the Control Display.
Standard specification is extensive and includes sports
multi-functional leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, front
and rear Park Distance Control and BMW eDrive services, allowing the
driver to access various features of the vehicle remotely. In addition
to this the 330e features LED daytime running lights and LED rear
lights with the option to upgrade to LED headlights or BMW Icon
Adaptive LED headlights. Business Navigation also comes as standard as
does an extensive arrange of on-board technologies. BMW Online
Services also come as standard, which allows the driver to purchase
additional ConnectedDrive Service subscriptions such as Real Time
Traffic Information (RTTI) and Online Entertainment via the on-board
ConnectedDrive store.
The BMW 330e Saloon is eligible for congestion charge exemption
and is eligible for the Government’s Plug in Car Grant (PiCG)
representing a significant saving on the purchase price. It is on sale
now priced from £33,935 OTR* with the first customers getting their
cars in April 2016.
These latest BMW PHEVs come after BMW launched the ground
breaking i3 and i3 with Range Extender vehicles in 2013 and the PHEV
powered BMW i8 sports car. By the end of 2016 there will be a total of
non-conventional internal combustion powered vehicles in the BMW model range.
BMW Light & Charge technology provides a cutting-edge
charging solution.
Innovative technology announced by
BMW Group will soon allow electric cars to be charged using
state-of-the-art LED street lights. This offers a solution to those
electric vehicle users, who do not have their own charging equipment
at home but need to charge on-street. Light & Charge combines
highly efficient LED street lighting with an integrated EV charging
solution in a fully connected system. The luminaire enables energy
consumption to be significantly reduced while the integrated charging
station enables more people to rely on electric mobility. Furthermore,
the system provides a connected platform for sensor-based applications
such as lighting control based on occupancy or real-time parking space monitoring.
With its modular LED design, the Light & Charge street light
is much more energy-efficient than conventional street lighting and
provides more effective illumination. It can be installed anywhere and
its modular design can to be tailored to different locations.
Up to four LED modules can be used to provide night-time
lighting on main roads, while one or two modules are sufficient to
provide lighting on side streets and in residential areas. As is
already the case with vehicle headlights, LED technology allows more
targeted light distribution with less unnecessary and ecologically
undesirable “scatter”.
The Power Link, a pole-mounted EV Charging Station integrates
with existing city infrastructure, making it highly cost-efficient
without taking up additional sidewalk space. An integrated smart
energy meter keeps track of energy taken from the grid, so that
existing power cables can be used to run the charging unit.
The charging station is also part of BMW i ChargeNow network,
which means its users also enjoy convenient cashless payment – a
system already familiar to users of the large number of public
charging stations already participating in this network. Via its
built-in internet access (GSM), the Charging Station can be remotely
managed, maintained and serviced. A high level of component
standardization ensures full compatibility across all electric vehicle
types and enables easy integration into existing infrastructure and
charging station management systems.
Another component of the Light & Charge technology is the
City Link system a low-cost wireless controller integrated into each
luminaire of the LED street light. It works by using intelligent
sensor-based light adjustment which can be communicated from one
luminaire to the next. Therefore providing real-time data across the
city such as data for smart city applications, including traffic flow
analysis and real-time parking space monitoring.
Both the LED Street Light and the Charging Station are
engineered for retrofit applications. With its clean and simple
design, the system integrates into the environment of a historical
city centre just as well as into the context of contemporary
architecture. This forms the basis for numerous smart city
applications including traffic flow analysis and real-time parking
space monitoring.
Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management of BMW
AG, said: “The BMW i ChargeNow card already offers access to the
world’s largest network of charging stations, and now it gives us
great pleasure, in cooperation with our partners, to further expand
this network with the help of the Light and Charge project. After all,
a seamless charging infrastructure is essential if we want to see more
electric vehicles on the road in our cities in the future.”
£40 million to boost green cars across the
UK.
The government is to invest £40 million in projects
to boost the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK. London,
Nottingham, Bristol and Milton Keynes will get the lion’s share of
this investment after being announced the winners of a Go Ultra Low
scheme based upon their proposals to encourage local residents to
consider switching to a plug-in car. Elsewhere, the scheme is also
providing £5 million of development funding for specific initiatives
in Dundee, Oxford, York and north east regions to help them play their
part in kick-starting a UK-wide clean motoring revolution.
Each main prize winning city was awarded a share of the fund for
implementing cutting edge technology such as rapid-charging hubs and
Light & Charge technology from BMW – a smart LED street lamp which
doubles up as an electric vehicle charging point. Oxford, home
to MINI and Plant Oxford where the majority of MINIs are produced
will get £800,000 to trial different charging options.
The government believes these innovations will not only
support the UK’s thriving green vehicle sector but improve air quality
in urban hotspots and will broadly help the government meet its
emission cutting targets. Plug-in-car owners also benefit from local
privileges from the scheme. Access to bus lanes in city centres, up to
25,000 free parking spaces, which could save commuters as much as
£1,300 a year, a large growth in charging stations and discounted
leasing schemes will all be on offer.
Transport for London aims to have 70,000 ULEVs a year sold by
2020 and almost quarter of a million by 2025.
Patrick McLoughlin, Transport Secretary, said: “The UK is a
world leader in the uptake of low emission vehicles and our long-term
economic plan is investing £600 million by 2020 to improve air
quality, create jobs and achieve our goal of every new car and van in
the UK being ultra-low emission by 2040.”
Hydrogen fuel cell technology offering long range, short
refueling times and zero emissions.
BMW Group has
focused on the use of hydrogen as an energy source for nearly 40 years
and has experienced a constant stream of significant advances in terms
of efficiency, performance and capabilities as parts of its Efficient
Dynamics strategy.
Now by combining fuel cell technology with BMW eDrive, the
marque has successfully created several hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric
Vehicle (FCEV) prototypes including the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo.
With a long-distance range of more than 300 miles available, the FCEV
provides all-electric, locally emission-free driving with fast and
convenient refuelling in under five minutes.
The gaseous hydrogen contained in the storage tank is converted
into electric power and water vapour. The vehicle’s high-voltage
battery serves as an energy storage unit and can therefore be
considerably smaller than in battery-electric concepts. Hydrogen
storage comes in the form of a tunnel tank between the front and rear
axle; industry standard vessel technology and cryogenic pressure
vessel technology patented by the BMW Group for storing gaseous
hydrogen at low temperature.
BMW will continue to develop these hydrogen-powered vehicles
with a view to an application that might make series production in the future.
DriveNow and Moovit team up for enhanced journey
flexibility
The car sharing service DriveNow is to
expand its visibility and enhance ease of use and transportation
choice with the integration of the app, Moovit. The news comes,
partly, after a global survey conducted by Moovit in 2015 showed
London users commanded on-demand mobility services five or more times
per week, despite the fact that 29 per cent of users had access to a
household car.
Now with the integration of DriveNow into Moovit users will have
one-touch access to all available forms of transportation right within
the app. Moovit users will be able to view the entire fleet of
available DriveNow cars in their area and rent one at exactly the
moment they need it. Moovit will be launching the DriveNow integration
first in London, with availability in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and
Stockholm to follow.
Ulrich Quay, Managing Director of BMW I Ventures, said: “We are
very excited about the integration of DriveNow and Moovit, both brands
are aiming to develop smart urban mobility solutions for our cities
and we are happy to continue to work together towards this common goal.”
-Ends-
The BMW Group
With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2015, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.247 million cars and nearly 137,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2014 was approximately € 8.71 billion on revenues amounting to € 80.40 billion. As of 31 December 2014, the BMW Group had a workforce of 116,324 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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Email: Gavin.Ward@bmw.co.uk
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Relations Executive
Tel: 07815 370746
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General Manager, Product and Internal Communications
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Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk