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RECHARGEABLE DRIVING PLEASURE.
Frequently asked questions on BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Discover the sustainable world of the BMW eDrive models and an entirely new dimension of driving pleasure.
Impressively dynamic and entirely free of emissions when driving purely electrically, the BMW eDrive models show just what is possible: thanks to the newly developed electric synchronous motors, the plug-in hybrid models BMW X5 xDrive40e and BMW 330e dazzle with their tremendous torque from a standing start up to maximum speed.
Just as agile but designed for electromobility from the outset are the BMW i models. Their futuristic design and the cleverly devised electric concepts make them distinctive from afar: the vehicles are shaping the future of mobility. On this page you will find all the answers to the key questions on the plug-in hybrid vehicles from BMW. You will obtain information on the BMW i models by following the link below.
Discover the sustainable world of the BMW eDrive models and an entirely new dimension of driving pleasure.
Impressively dynamic and entirely free of emissions when driving purely electrically, the BMW eDrive models show just what is possible: thanks to the newly developed electric synchronous motors, the plug-in hybrid models BMW X5 xDrive40e and BMW 330e dazzle with their tremendous torque from a standing start up to maximum speed.
Just as agile but designed for electromobility from the outset are the BMW i models. Their futuristic design and the cleverly devised electric concepts make them distinctive from afar: the vehicles are shaping the future of mobility. On this page you will find all the answers to the key questions on the plug-in hybrid vehicles from BMW. You will obtain information on the BMW i models by following the link below.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND DESIGN.
In BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles the drive consists of a powerful electric motor and an efficient combustion engine that work together excellently. This becomes apparent in a similarly perfect combination of dynamism and efficiency. This is where you will find basic information on the BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles.
What exactly is a plug-in hybrid?
A plug-in hybrid has a drive system comprising a powerful electric motor and an efficient combustion engine. This combination achieves a high overall performance for the vehicles, which is more environmentally friendly than conventional drive technologies.
Furthermore, plug-in hybrids can be recharged directly from the electricity mains, whether at home or on the road. This enables journeys to be made free of emissions on a large proportion of routes, particularly in urban areas, and consumption to be reduced on long distances.
What basic advantages does a plug-in hybrid offer compared to a conventional vehicle?
A plug-in hybrid vehicle offers low-emission mobility at the same time as long-distance capability with functionality on the same level as a conventional vehicle. You particularly benefit from the silent driving and electric boosting. This means that during temporary increases in speed, such as during overtaking manoeuvres, the combustion engine is additionally supported by the electric motor ensuring even more dynamic driving. Particularly in electric mode and with the simultaneous opportunity to repeatedly charge the vehicle battery via the electricity mains, it is possible to achieve low operating costs.
One feature worthy of special mention is the option of individually controlling the stationary heating and cooling in the plug-in hybrids via the BMW ConnectedDrive App, the ConnectedDrive web portal or directly inside the vehicle.
What requirements and conditions have to be met for me to consider a plug-in hybrid?
A crucial factor in making the decision is the availability of facilities for charging the vehicle at home. Quite simply from a domestic socket, with your own BMW i Wallbox or at another location in your neighbourhood. Furthermore, the benefit from the operating costs (electricity vs fuel price) of a plug-in hybrid vehicle can be particularly efficiently exploited if a large number of journeys are possible in electric mode. If you also have charging facilities at your workplace, you could gain even more from this advantage.
Are the safety and driving sensation similar to conventionally powered BMW vehicles?
BMW plug-in hybrids are designed to very high technical standards, based on the same safe vehicle architecture as the conventional models. The safety of plug-in hybrid vehicles with high-voltage batteries has also been confirmed by independent institutes.
Thanks to the electric motor in the BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric driving and a further increase in efficiency are combined. The high torque available from a standing start means that these vehicles display the spontaneity during power build-up that is typical of electric motors. As part of the boost function, this electric motor additionally provides very noticeable support for the combustion engine during acceleration and in dynamic short bursts. Moreover, the BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles are silent and locally emission-free when travelling in electric mode.
Which different driving modes are available?
The BMW plug-in hybrids do of course have the familiar driving modes of ECO PRO, Comfort and Sport for every driving situation and requirement. In addition to this, the following driving modes specific to plug-in hybrid vehicles are also available with the eDrive button:
− AUTO eDrive: The system selects the most efficient drive method – purely electrical, combined or with combustion engine according to the situation.
− MAX eDrive: Purely electric driving up to 120 km/h.
− SAVE Battery: The state of charge is maintained in order to permit electric driving in the city for example. If the charge level is below 50% and the specific driving situation permits it, energy is accumulated and stored via recuperation and the combustion engine, in order to raise the charge level to approx. 50% or maintain it at a level above 50%.
How can you recognize a BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle?
A design difference compared with conventional BMW models is only desirable to a limited extent so that the familiar and unmistakeable BMW design is also retained for BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles. Nevertheless and depending on the model, the following features are among those which help to distinguish a BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle:
Exterior design:
− eDrive lettering, both on the rear of the vehicle and on the engine cover
− Model name with “e”
– Presence of a charging socket at the front on the driver’s side
Interior design:
– Door sill finisher with eDrive lettering
– eDrive button in the centre console
– Specific instrument cluster and Control Display graphics
Is it possible to continue driving electrically even if the fuel tank is empty?
Yes, it is. If the total range with electric motor and combustion engine is 80 km, the driver will be warned by a message in the instrument cluster. Below a total range of 50 km, the driver receives a range warning permanently. If the fuel tank is empty, the remaining electric range can be used to drive to the nearest filling station – provided enough energy is present and the system conditions permit electric driving.
How long does the high-voltage battery last in a BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle?
The high-voltage batteries used in the BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles are lithium-ion batteries which, in contrast to conventional nickel, lead or cadmium batteries, have been optimised for use in motor vehicles. Within the scope of the BMW Battery Certificate, your authorised BMW dealer or your BMW subsidiary guarantees to rectify any defect in the high-voltage battery for the first 150,000 km or up to a maximum of 10 years after delivery of the new vehicle (the first criterion fulfilled applies). You can find out about details of the service entitlements of the BMW Battery Certificate from your authorised BMW dealer or you BMW subsidiary.
How far is the electric range?
A specific cyclic range is indicated for every BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle. The electric range actually achieved depends on many factors. Important influences are the air-conditioning and heating demand, the general load on the on-board power system (e.g. navigation, radio, seat and windscreen heating, climatic conditions in summer and winter) as well as individual driving style.
When the high-voltage battery is discharged, purely electric driving is no longer possible, but it is still possible to continue driving perfectly normally thanks to the combustion engine. An intelligent energy management system means no damage can occur to the high-voltage battery at any time even it is displayed as completely “empty”.Does the high-voltage battery restrict the luggage space?
The BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles only have slight restrictions in the volume of luggage space compared with conventional BMW models. With regard to loading comfort, intelligent solutions have been developed which firstly ensure a flat loading platform and secondly provide the necessary depth for transporting bulky objects. Furthermore, all through-loading systems (e.g. the 40:20:40 split of the backrest) are also available for the BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles.
What should you be aware of if a BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle is parked for a lengthy period of time?
Parking for a lengthy period of time (e.g. for several weeks) is of course possible, but the charge level of the high-voltage battery may decrease if the vehicle is not moved for a substantial period.
It is therefore advisable to park the vehicle with an almost fully charged battery or to connect the vehicle with a suitable charging station during lengthy stationary phases as this will then automatically recharge the high-voltage battery if necessary.
Please also take note of the advice relating to lengthy stationary phases in the operating instructions provided with the vehicle.
Find out more about the all-round service for e-mobility.
What charging options does BMW offer for plug-in hybrid vehicles?
A BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle can be recharged from an ordinary household
socket – however, it is advisable to have the suitability (continuous load capability) of the socket in question checked by a certified specialist. This check of the socket or the installation and commissioning of a Wallbox Pure or Pro (this allows BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles to be charged with a maximum of 3.7 kW) can, for example, be performed by a qualified electrician from the BMW i installation partner.The vehicle can also be charged while out and about. The “ChargeNow” programme offers access to a constantly growing network of public charging stations. Thanks to the “ParkNow” system, BMW customers can now find long-term parking and recharging facilities in multi-storey car park near their residence or workplace.
If you would like to find out where there is a charging station in your neighbourhood, there are various options:
- You can look it up in the navigation system of your BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle. Thanks to the point-of-interest search in the BMW ConnectedDrive App, you have direct access to all charging stations in your surroundings.
- You can search on your smartphone. This is child’s play using the ConnectedDrive App for plug-in hybrids
How often can and must you recharge a BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle?
If possible, you should charge your BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle whenever the opportunity arises – be it at home or on the move. This means that you can always take advantage of the maximum possible electric range and thus minimise fuel consumption.
How long does it take to charge the high-voltage battery? Is there way of charging it quickly with DC (direct current)?
The precise charging time depends on a number of factors. If the high-voltage battery is completely discharged, it may be assumed in the BMW X5 plug-in hybrid vehicle, for example, that charging will take between roughly 2.5 hours at a Wallbox or public charging station and approx. 4 hours from a normal domestic socket.
Due to the smaller battery size in comparison with a pure electric vehicle and the comparably short time required for full charging that this entails, no means of rapid DC-charging is planned for BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Do you need a different charging cable when abroad?
The standard charging cable contained in the vehicle has the household plug typical for its specific country. Your BMW dealer will offer you the opportunity to purchase a cable suitable for different socket types.
Are the 360° ELECTRIC offers from BMW i also available for BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles?
Yes, it goes without saying that, as an owner of a BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle, all the relevant service features from the BMW i 360° ELECTRIC offer are available to you.
FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CO2 EMISSIONS.
Fuel consumption and CO2 emission for the BMW X5 xDrive 40e:
Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined):: 3.13
CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 76
Power consumption in kWh/100 km (combined): 15.4
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for the BMW 330e:
Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 2.1 to 1.9
CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 49 to 44
Power consumption in kWh/100 km (combined): 11.9 to 11.0
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for the BMW i3:
Power consumption in kWh/100 km (combined): 12.9
CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 0
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for the BMW i8:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 2.1
Power consumption in kWh/100 km (combined): 11.9
CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 49
The figures for electricity/fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and efficiency classes are ranges depending on the set of tyres/wheels selected. Fuel consumption is determined in accordance with the ECE driving cycle, Figures show special equipment options.
Further information on the official fuel consumption, the official specific CO2 emissions and the electric energy consumption of new passenger cars can be found in the guidelines on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric energy consumption of new passenger cars which are available free of charge at all retail outlets and from DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen, Germany and at http://www.dat.de/angebote/verlagsprodukte/leitfaden-kraftstoffverbrauch.html. The figures for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, electric energy consumption and efficiency class depend on the wheel and tyre sizes selected. The figures do not refer to one individual vehicle and do not constitute part of the offer, but are intended solely for purposes of comparison between the different types of vehicles. CO2 emissions generated by the production and provision of the fuels or other energy sources have not been taken into consideration in determining the CO2 emissions in accordance with Directive 1999/94/EC.