BMW Unveils 3 Series PHEV Prototype, Plans For Future PHEVs
BMW’s i Series is lending its technology to the automaker’s core portfolio, spurring a new generation of PHEVs in so doing.
The automaker introduced the prototype for the 3 Series PHEV in France, which pairs a four-cylinder gasoline engine — based on the TwinPower Turbo mill — with an electric motor, both of which are linked to BMW’s eDrive technology found in the i3 and i8.
Beyond the 3 Series PHEV, BMW plans to deploy eDrive among the rest of range, with the aim of having PHEVs handle long-distance travel while pure electrics — and possibly hydrogen down the road — deal with urban mobility requirements. The system will also help the Bavarians deliver high-performance models whose emissions fall under 100 g/km of CO2, with future PHEVs models expected to provide 100 kilometers of range in full-electric mode, 20 kWh of capacity in their lithium-ion packs, and a combined power rating of 500 kW.
From 2015 forward, the eDrive system will be assembled in the automaker’s plant in Dingolfling, creating 200 jobs surrounding the technology, with “many tens of millions of euros” invested into the plant over the next five years.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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And once the Euro industry is fully tooled up to compete in hybrids...... Their "independent" researchers will come to realize what Californians realized wrt diesels all along. And they'll squeeze another tax-and-levy motivated fleet changeover out of their captive populations.....
Is this the BMW take on the Chevy Volt?
I think the BMW in that picture was parked in Oakland - funny they left the rims behind.
There is no way its 500 kw. 500kw is 670 hp. If BMW made a hybrid 3-series with 670hp, it would totally crush the M3...