By now, we all know what electric cars are. We’re also aware of their benefits, not only in terms of performance and refinement, but for the environment too. But how do they work? What technology allows for these pioneering automobiles to silently waft on our roads?
Well, to answer that question, we need to look at the various types of electric and battery-assisted vehicles on sale today.
Mild-hybrid vehicles (MHEV)
A recent addition to the electric vehicle world is the MHEV. Also referred to as 48v hybrids, these cars feature an electric drive unit that supports the conventional combustion (ICE) powertrain. In situations where a lot of fuel is burned (such as firing up the engine) the electric motor will switch on. It’s also used, in certain instances, to boost acceleration.
There are a number of benefits to this system. An MHEV can reduce fuel consumption by about 0.3 litres/100 km, according to BMW. When coasting and braking, energy recovered can be fed into the electric vehicle functions and also generate extra drive power. Aside from the economical benefits, you receive increased performance.
The aforementioned coasting technology allows the vehicle, at speeds of up to 160 km/h, to deactivate the engine and therefore, save fuel and emit fewer emissions. A number of BMWs already feature this technology, such as the updated 5 Series luxury sedan range.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV)
Often seen as a combination of electric and ICE-powered vehicles, the PHEV - like a pure electric car - can be charged through a charging cable. The energy is stored in the battery which allows fully electric, emission-free commuting. Like an electric car, the battery is able to recoup energy through braking or by the driver taking their foot off the accelerator.
The benefits of a PHEV are clear to see. If, for example, you live within 30 km from your office, you can drive to work on pure electric power. This comes with immense fuel savings and offers consumers a fine balance between eco-conscious driving and convenience.
A conventional ICE engine allows you to travel long distances while giving you the option of driving in pure electric mode for shorter distances. In Europe, the PHEV is popular, as it comes with all the tax benefits associated with driving an eco-friendly electric car. Examples within the BMW range include the 7 Series, specifically the 745Le xDrive.
Pure electric vehicles
A fully electric vehicle (also known as a battery-electric vehicle, or BEV) is powered by electricity, with no combustion engine sending power to the drive wheels. BMW notes that during actual driving, a BEV is said to be “locally” emission-free.
A concern with early electric vehicles was travel range. The latest generation of BMW electric vehicles are able to provide a range of 600 km, as measured by the WLTP test cycle.
As with a PHEV, battery-electric vehicles can be plugged into a socket in order to charge the batteries. This provides, depending on the climate and driving style, a decent range to commute in absolute silence and refinement. As mentioned earlier, electric vehicles also emit no emissions, as there’s no ICE powertrain. BMW currently produces a number of electric vehicles, including the i3, i4, iX3 and iX.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What types of electric BMW vehicles are available in South Africa?
BMW offers three main types of electric vehicles in South Africa: mild-hybrid vehicles (MHEV) with 48v systems that support the petrol engine, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) that combine electric and petrol power with charging capability, and fully electric vehicles (BEV) that run purely on battery power.
Q: How much fuel can BMW's mild-hybrid technology save?
BMW's mild-hybrid system can reduce fuel consumption by approximately 0.3 litres per 100 kilometres, whilst also providing additional performance through electric motor assistance during acceleration and engine start-up.
Q: What is the electric driving range of BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles?
BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles typically offer between 30 to 50 kilometres of pure electric driving range, making them perfect for daily commuting without using any petrol, especially if you live within 30 kilometres of your workplace.
Q: How does BMW's coasting technology work in electric vehicles?
BMW's coasting technology automatically deactivates the engine at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour when the driver lifts off the accelerator, allowing the vehicle to glide silently whilst saving fuel and reducing emissions.
Q: Are BMW electric vehicles worth buying in South Africa?
BMW electric vehicles are worth considering if you value cutting-edge technology, reduced running costs, and environmental benefits, though the higher purchase price compared to conventional BMWs means they work best for drivers with predictable daily commuting patterns or access to home charging.
Should You Buy It?
BMW's electric vehicle technology represents a solid investment for South African drivers ready to embrace the future, but your choice depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for an entry point into electrification without range anxiety, BMW's plug-in hybrid models starting from around R800,000 offer the best of both worlds with 30 to 50 kilometres of electric range for daily commuting. For those wanting the full electric experience, BMW's pure electric vehicles deliver impressive performance and refinement, though expect to pay a premium starting from around R1,200,000. The mild-hybrid options provide a more affordable stepping stone, offering fuel savings of 0.3 litres per 100 kilometres without the need for charging infrastructure. Bottom line: if you have reliable access to charging and drive predictable distances daily, BMW's electric technology will save you money in the long run whilst delivering that signature BMW driving experience, just with a lot less noise and emissions.
