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The BMW 5 Series GT is equipped with the eDrive and TwinPower Turbo technology and BMW Blog says that this perfectly showcases the future of plug-in hybrids. The new hybrid models that BMW are developing is designed to exceed expectations in terms of driving solely on electric mode. Here’s an excerpt of the article with technical details on hybrids:
Future models using the Power eDrive technology will include significantly higher-powered electric motors and batteries with twice the capacity of present versions. The Power eDrive electric drive system will contribute approximately two thirds of the vehicle’s combined output. The new BMW engines family with TwinPower tech will fill in the other third.
The drive components used in these future hybrid systems will offer combined outputs in excess of 500 kW, while the capacity of the lithium-ion batteries – up to 20 kilowatt hours – will likewise be greatly in excess of current hybrid systems.
The increased all-electric driving range will reach up to 100 km (62 miles), essentially the new plug-in hybrids could run in the electric mode every day.
The combustion engine will fulfill several roles, such as providing a power boost when needed, extending the driving range and provide some recharging capabilities.
On future plug-in hybrid concepts the electric motor, which will be the main source of power for everyday driving, will continue to drive the rear wheels, while the addition of a second electric motor driving the front wheels will create an all-electric road-coupled all-wheel-drive system. At the same time, an internal combustion engine will also supply power to the front axle.
