BMW, a firm believer in electric mobility, has released a detailed roadmap of its electrification plans which will see up to 25 new electrified models (including 12 fully-electric cars) by the year 2025. The latest model to come out of this plan is the i8 Roadster, featuring a new battery pack that’s more efficient and powerful than the original coupé.
Next year, the sexy roadster – equipped with BMW’s generation-four e-technology – will go on sale alongside the plug-in hybrid MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (phew!). After that, comes three confirmed battery-electric vehicle (BEV) models, beginning with an all-electric MINI in 2019, all-electric BMW X3 in 2020 and BMW iNEXT.
The iNEXT, set to arrive in 2021, will mark the Bavarian giant’s big push into its fifth-generation e-technology. Expect the much-talked about flexible vehicle architecture, enabling convenient applications of front-drive, rear-drive or all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid systems. Also on would be some levels of autonomous driving capabilities.
All future BEVs will benefit from what BMW calls HEAT or High-integrated Electric Drive Train, whereby the electric motor, gearbox and electronics are all enclosed within a single lightweight aluminium casing. Power is supplied to the system via one of three modular battery kits, with capacities ranging from 60 kWh (approximately 450 km range), 90 kWh (approximately 550 km range) and 120 kWh (approximately 700 km range).
Each will get its respective badge – 30e, 40e and 50e – to reflect the cruising range; lower capacity batteries will be used in compact and executive models, while the 50e 120 kWh unit is exclusively reserved for luxury variants.
High-volume front-wheel drive BEVs will get a front-mounted electric motor with outputs of up to 100 kW (134 hp), and a cruising range of over 300 km, whereas rear-wheel drive models get a more powerful e-motor with up to 200 kW (268 hp). Acceleration in the century sprint will take anywhere between less than six to nine seconds, and all-wheel drive is optional.
On the other hand, performance-oriented BEVs may receive up to three 200 kW (268 hp) electric motors, one up front and two for the rear axle. When combined, the car could possibly pack over 800 hp, and some models can even be equipped with a torque vectoring system. According to BMW, a zero to 100 km/h sprint time of under three seconds is possible.
As shown on one of the slides here, these electric propulsion systems will come in many “sizes,” with small 100 kW (134 hp) and medium 190 kW (255 hp) options for entry-level BEVs. Performance models will have access to large 250 kW (335 hp) and extra large 300 kW (over 402 hp) systems instead. There’s even a new plug-in hybrid setup with electric motors that are rated at up to 150 kW (201 hp).
The company also noted it would no longer follow the route it has taken with the i3 and i8, as both relied on dedicated and somewhat complex platforms. Instead, there will be two separate platforms moving forward – an updated version of the front-wheel drive UKL platform (reportedly called the FAAR), as well as a revised version of the rear-wheel drive CLAR. New models will be capable of being equipped with conventional or electrified powertrains.
All seems well here, but what about BMW M? Apparently, the company’s sporting division is also looking to electrify the range, but whether or not it’s included in this electrification roadmap remains to be seen. What are your thoughts on the matter, dear readers? Sound off in the comments section below.
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Bmw pure electric supercar 2024?
Interesting…
0-100kmh in less than 3 sec already exist in 2016 by Tesla. A 101 years old company being shame by a 14 years old company with a visionary CEO.
Very nicely elaborated by you. What is the outstanding and not shameful job that you are doing now. Can share ? You are so good
Wow. I didn’t know we need to have a qualification in-order to comment here !! Chill bro. Its only a comment.
I am more interested in BMX roadmap.