Recent weeks have been exciting for auto enthusiasts, with companies like Ford and Tesla issuing updates on new releases. Well, the excitement is here to stay as BMW becomes the newest auto-giant to publish statements regarding future releases. As per a report, BMW has decided to offer completely electric versions of some of their vehicles in the coming year. Here’s a look at the whole story and what it means to the auto giant and car lovers.
BMW Company’s Electrics
BMW stated that it would be offering electric versions of two of their popular lines. The company will take the X1-SUV and 5 Series electric in a bid to have at least 25 electrified vehicles as a part of their portfolio by 2023. However, the company has not made it clear by when these vehicles will be available. The electric drive-train will serve as one of four options for the buyers of the X1 and 5-Series. The Sedan and SUV will also be available as diesel, gas or plug-in hybrids. Such models will feature a 48-bolt technology that is mild-hybrid in nature.
Expanding Lines
The company came out with such a decision to align with its plan of diversifying and expanding its electric lineup. Before this announcement, the company decided earlier this year to offer their 7-Series as an electric as well. The flagship 7-Series Sedan is one of their most iconic lineups, and coming next year, it will be available with an electric drive-train.
Goals in the Years to Come
By 2023, the company aims to have at least 25 electric models on their portfolio. Out of these 25, at least half the models will be fully electric, while the others will have electric components. The “electrified” models also stand for ones that come equipped as a plug-in hybrid or normal hybrid. BMW has stated that its goal is to have at least 7 million electrified vehicles on the road by the end of 2030. Also, the company is aiming to ensure that at least two-thirds of that 7 million will be fully electric.
Availability
The automaker aims to bring out these five all-electric vehicles onto the road by the end of next year. The vehicles lined up include the Mini Cooper SE, BMW i4, BMW iX3, BMW iNEXT and the BMW i3. Out of these, the BMW i3 is a famous vehicle, which is a part of the electric vehicle industry. The others are newer entries that do not have the name that the i3 has, and this is something BMW wants to cultivate. When it comes to performance, the Cooper SE comes with an i3 motor. The vehicle’s marketing focuses on the fact that it is an easy-to-drive urban vehicle. It comes with a 32.6 kWh battery that allows for a 110-mile EPA-rated range.
iX3 Not for America
The iX3, which borrows heavily from the X3, works as an electric crossover. The car will have its assembly done in China, and will surprisingly not come to the US. Instead, BMW plans to hit the market with the iX3 in China by the middle of next year. The company choosing to ignore the US when it comes to their first electric crossover seemed surprising to most experts. However, they believe the decision will help BMW strengthen its hold on the EV market in Europe and China.
However, since the iX3 was built off the X3, which is the company’s most popular model in the US, fans were left disappointed. The company held the unveiling of the car in Beijing through the Auto China expo in 2018. The automaker will have to keep in mind Europe’s stricter regulations when it comes to emissions to have a successful campaign in the EU.
BMW isn’t the only car manufacturer to rethink their EV strategies. For instance, Mercedes-Benz has delayed the American launch of their EQC SUV, which will now occur only in 2021. Similarly, Volkswagen will also withhold the ID.3 from the US, bringing the ID.4 instead to American shores.
When it comes to the other model, BMW stated that the i4, which has a range of 270 miles, will hit production in early 2021. Similarly, the iNEXT, which is a flagship model for the company, will start production next year. It will be interesting to see the finished models and how they perform in a tepid EV market.
Being a cinephile with a love for all things outdoorsy, Athulya never misses a chance to chase inspiring stories or poke fun at things, even when the subject is herself. Currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, she is someone innately interested in technical and scientific research. Music reviews and op-eds define her as they allow her to explore different perspectives. Though sometimes she thinks she makes more sense playing the guitar than she does while writing.