Plug-in sounds a bit low tech, but nothing could be further from the truth. BMW has been at the forefront of technological development for some time now. Boosting engine performance through innovations, its first foray into hydrogen powered vehicles took place nigh on 40 years ago. Hard to believe, but the marque’s first electrically powered saloon appeared in the early seventies, and the company has always pushed boundaries.
Now with government initiatives, increasing customer demand, and rapidly developing battery technology, BMW is well placed to offer its broadest ever spectrum of ‘new breed’ cars.

This year BMW will offer an electric powered car and range extender variant, Plug-in-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and highly efficient petrol and diesel internal combustion engines. The company also intends to continue developing hydrogen cars. Four new for 2016 PHEV models arrive in the shape of the BMW 225xe Active Tourer, BMW 330e Saloon, and later this year the BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive. The result? BMW will be able to offer this technology through its range of compact to luxury class cars.

The 225xe shares the eDrive technology previously seen in the X5 xDrive40e which allows the driver to call on electrified all-wheel drive up to speeds of 78mph. The car has unique eDrive design elements: an example is eDrive Services being standard allowing remote access to various features of the vehicle and integrating elements of BMW’s online system. This will enable drivers to search for charging stations and access charge settings for off-peak charging. Remote access is via an app on compatible smartphones, tablet devices or computers, adding to the BMW My Remote app allowing users to check charging status, set charging times and to search for stations whilst on foot. Rather luxuriously, the app enables pre-conditioning of the car to heat or cool the interior whilst on charge. The 225xe arrives this month and prices start at £32,545.

New to the company executive’s 3-series choice list is the 330e offering combined fuel consumption at an amazing 148mpg and CO2 emissions of just 44g/km. The state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid technology combines a 2.0 litre petrol engine with a 65kW (88hp equivalent) electric motor. This dual output translates into a 0-62 mph acceleration time of a pretty decent 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 140mph, enough to satisfy all but the most eager corporate executives. The high-voltage lithium-ion cell battery, located underneath the boot, enables an all-electric, emission-free range of around 25 miles. So pretty much perfect for city dwellers and commuters to achieve that all elusive petrol free commute.

There are three driving modes to choose from: AUTOeDRIVE, MAX eDRIVE and SAVE BATTERY. On AUTO eDRIVE the top electric speed is limited to 50 mph and ensures the combustion engine and electric motor work together to optimum effect in all driving situations. Even more happily the 330e is eligible for congestion charge exemption and the Government’s Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG) representing a significant saving of around £2,500 on a purchase price starting at £33,935.

Charge of the light brigade

BMW Light & Charge technology provides a charging solution with innovative technology allowing electric cars to be charged using state-of-the-art LED street lights offering a solution for those without charging equipment at home. Light & Charge combines highly efficient LED street lighting with an integrated EV charging solution in a fully connected system.

Due to its modular design, the streetlight is more energy-efficient than conventional street lighting, and provides more effective illumination. It can be installed anywhere and its modular design tailored to different locations.

Up to four LED modules can be used to provide nighttime lighting on main roads, while one or two modules are sufficient to provide lighting on side streets and in residential areas. As already with vehicle headlights, LED technology allows more targeted light distribution with less ecologically undesirable ‘scatter’.

The Power Link, a pole-mounted EV Charging Station, fits in with existing city infrastructure, making it cost-efficient without taking up additional space. An integrated smart energy meter keeps track of energy taken from the grid so that existing power cables can be used to run the charging unit.

The charging station is also part of BMW’s i ChargeNow network that enables cashless payment. Via built-in internet access, it can be remotely managed, maintained and serviced. Component standardisation ensures full compatibility across all electric vehicle types with both the LED Street Light and the Charging Station engineered for retrofit applications. With a pleasing design, the system integrates into a historical city centre just as well as with contemporary architecture.

The 330e looks outside and in as any other 3 series. What it offers as an extra is a silent and smooth petrol free and subsidised commute, and that’s a huge plus.

The drawbacks? Well, for those thrill seekers amongst us, the car is swift, but slowed down by some heavy electrical gear (boot space is reduced due to the battery). Handling is not the best, but then that’s really not the point and there has to be some room for improvement in an otherwise very impressive car. On balance, the 330e deserves to be up there on the company car favourite list.

Green cars across the UK

The government plans to invest £40 million to boost electric vehicle usage (EVs) in the UK. Go Ultra scheme winners London, Nottingham, Bristol and Milton Keynes will be allocated the lion’s share of investment. The scheme encourages local residents to switch to a plug-in car.

Elsewhere, the scheme is providing £5 million of funding for specific initiatives in Dundee, Oxford, York and north east regions to help kick-start a UK-wide clean motoring revolution.

Each winning city was awarded a share of the fund for implementing technology such as rapid-charging hubs and Light & Charge technology from BMW. Oxford, where the majority of MINIs are produced, will receive £800,000 to trial different charging options.

These innovations will support the green vehicle sector, improve air quality in urban hotspots (in the news recently regarding health concerns) and help meet emission cutting targets. Owners can benefit from local privileges such as access to bus lanes in city centres and up to 25,000 free parking spaces. This could save regular commuters a not to be sniffed at £1,300 a year.

essence info

Website: www.bmw.co.uk

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