All fifth-gen models to get battery pack space – BMW

BMW, like several other established carmakers, are aggressively expanding its electrified/electric vehicles portfolio. The Bavarian giant expects that by 2025, about 15% to 25% of its model range will feature electric drivetrains. More crucially, however, is that its Fifth Generation vehicle architecture will all feature an empty underfloor compartment for scalable battery packs.

According to InsideEVs, this move will allow BMW to easily switch from high-performance battery packs for sportier applications, to taller and more practical models such as SUVs. BMW’s head of electric drivertrain development, Stefan Juraschek, confirmed that there will be varying battery capacities offered for different BMW models.

The new platform offers plug-in hybrids a full electric range of up to 100 km, whereas pure electric vehicles may get up to 700 km of range. The battery capacities range from 60 kWh (approximately 450 km range), 90 kWh (approximately 550 km range) and 120 kWh (approximately 700 km range), and each model 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.

As revealed in its e-roadmap last December, high-volume front-wheel drive BEVs (battery electric vehicles) 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.

Performance-oriented BEVs, however, may receive up to three 200 kW (268 hp) electric motors, one up front and two for the rear axle. 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 achievable.

Two new platforms have been earmarked for this electric push – an updated version of the front-wheel drive FAAR platform, as well as a revised version of the rear-wheel drive CLAR platform. Again, both platforms are part of the Fifth-Gen line-up, so they could each come with a hollow underfloor compartment to accommodate the modular battery packs. All models built on these platforms will be capable of being equipped with conventional or electrified powertrains.

For now, this does sound like a compromise, especially when considering that a dedicated electric vehicle platform is less complicated and thus, relatively inexpensive to mass produce. BMW admits this, but for the time being, its making a cautious approach rather than going all-in with a dedicated EV platform – the i3 and i8 being past examples.

Lexus’ president also thinks that the EV technology isn’t ready for mass adoption, citing uncertainties pertaining to customer and environmental benefits. What do you think? Is EV the next big thing, and is BMW’s compromise the best way around this transitional period? Comment below.

GALLERY: BMW e-roadmap

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