BMW developing production version of plug-in hybrid electric Vision EfficientDynamics concept; €400M investment in Megacity Vehicle production
05 November 2010
BMW is developing a serial production plug-in hybrid electric sports car based on the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept study shown at the Frankfurt motor show in 2009. (Earlier post.) At the Leipzig trade fair center, BMW presented a fully road-ready technology showcase vehicle based on the original BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept study.
The combination of a 3-cylinder turbo diesel with a hybrid synchronous motor at the front axle and a full-hybrid motor at the rear axle enables an overall system output of 241 kW/328 bhp. The design of the BMW ActiveHybrid technology allows performance figures at the level of a sports car, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, with an average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle (KV01) of 3.76 liters/100 kilometers (62.6 mpg US), and a CO2 emission rating of 99 grams per kilometer (1.3 L/100km and 33g CO2/km; EU-PHEV ECE-R101).
Wing doors facilitate entry to both rows of seats, while extensive aerodynamic measures reduce the drag coefficient to 0.22.
The lithium-polymer rechargeable battery is housed centrally in a longitudinal chassis element and can be fully charged at a conventional power socket within two and half hours. The vehicle supports an all-electric range of some 50 kilometers (31 miles), while a 24-liter diesel tank extends the total range of the vehicle to up to 700 kilometers (435 miles).
Megacity Vehicle production.BMW Group is also expanding its plant in Leipzig, Germany, with an investment of around €400 million (US$563 million) in the period up to 2013 in new buildings and machinery for the production of the electric Megacity Vehicle (MCV). (Earlier post.)
Including production of components, the BMW Group and the joint venture set up with the SGL Group for the manufacture of carbon fibres are investing a total of €530 million (US$746 million) in the project.
Over 62 mpg with muscle car and up to 50 Km e-range + 700 Km between visits to the fuel pump is not bad at all.
Imagine what could be done with a regular light weight car.
Posted by: HarveyD | 05 November 2010 at 07:42 AM
In this direction lies a 100 mpg car. They could have been here 7 years ago.
Guess they don't have anybody capable of looking ahead.
Posted by: Lucas | 05 November 2010 at 08:26 AM
Sounds good, but the fuel tank may be too small.
700 km at what speed?
If you sell a car this fast in Germany, people will want to travel for hundreds of KM at 160+ kph.
+ a 3 cylinder diesel might be a bit noisy, hour after hour.
Anyway, bring it on and let's see what journalists make of it - should be good.
Posted by: mahonj | 05 November 2010 at 10:25 AM
The diesel is on the rear axle, and with such low drag it will likely be putting out less than 20kW which would (should?) be covered by electric if you had enough battery capacity
Posted by: 3PeaceSweet | 05 November 2010 at 10:56 AM
The less than 30M AER is unimpressive. Where is the BMW EV?? This is a concept car and therefor vaporware until we actually see and drive one. What is the time frame for that??
But we strongly support all moves toward electrification and welcome BMW's investment in this area. With the technology mentioned and performance goals - it will fall into the same cost bracket as Audi, Volt and Tesla S - around $$50k. WHO in the world can afford that??
Posted by: Reel$$ | 06 November 2010 at 11:28 AM