BMW is Developing New Electric Drive Platform

In an interview with Klaus Fröhlich, member of the board of development management, he mentioned that BMW is working on two plug-in electrified powertrains.

“In the future there will be a variety of drive systems for different requirements,” said Fröhlich at the 36th International Vienna Motor Symposium.

BMW would like to address the range anxiety of electric cars with an alternative architecture, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which can be seen in the new BMW X5 xDrive40e and 330e sedan.

“Driving requirements that exceed this in terms of dynamics and long-distance suitability, on the other hand, are best served by innovative plug-in hybrid drives,” said Fröhlich.

Fröhlich adds that a 310 miles driving capability is adequate for large vehicles.

“With Power eDrive, the strengths of the plug-in hybrid drive will be rigorously developed going forward.

“A total range of some 600 kilometers (310 miles) guarantees a long-distance capability that is also adequate for large vehicles. In statistical terms, some 80 percent of the average annual mileage of a typical commuter could be covered in all-electric mode.”

BMW wants these vehicles to be both inexpensive and fun to drive.

“Power eDrive technology, moreover, comes with the kind of sporting potential traditionally associated with a BMW,” said Fröhlich.

“With an electric drive on both front and rear axles, electric driving fun becomes a palpable experience. But the dynamic potential of this drive concept really comes into its own when accelerating from standstill and during mid-range acceleration on the open road. At higher speeds the combustion engine can also be called on as a supplementary drive source.”

Source: BMW Blog