It gave a sneak peek at how a plug-in hybrid system that could work in the popular X5 midsize SUV. The system can power the car on electric drive alone for up to 20 miles, has the potential for being rated at 40 miles a gallon using the government's protocol for electric-car equivilent driving and can run electric-only at speeds up to 75 miles per hour.
The concept will be shown at the New York Auto Show preview this week.
"It's a connecting step" between BMW's i-Series plug-in electric models and its conventional models, Gerhard Thiel, project director for the X5 plug-in told a group of journalists at BMW's North American headquarters here Tuesday.
While no announcement has been made about production version of the Concept X5 eDrive plug-in, BMW spokesman Manfred Poschenrieder says the brand is aiming at having a hybrid alternative in each of its major model ranges.
At present, its plug-in electric cars consist of an i3 electric city car, with an optional gas extender engine, and a soon-to-arrive i8 hybrid sports car on the way.
Poschenrieder says BMW could stand out in the market by giving plug-in capability to the X5 because it larger than most of the electrified cars out there. It holds more potential for better gas mileage without sacrifices -- adding weight, eating up passenger space for batteries or ending up cost well above competitive vehicles.
"It totally makes sense for us to hybridize such a car," he says.
If the concept becomes a production vehicle, however, it won't likely show up for more than a year.
No comments:
Post a Comment