BMW Electrified.

Did you know BMW’s journey to electrification began over 50 years ago? Developed using the 1602 model, BMW launched the 1602 Elektro-Antrieb (Electric Drive). Equipped with a 32 kW electric motor (43 bhp) and 12.6 kWh battery, the car was designed to combat the growing emissions problem and transport VIP’s throughout the 1972 Olympic games in Germany. Range was short at just 37 miles, but the batteries could be swapped out and replaced for a fully charged one.

30 years later, BMW launched a pilot scheme to roll out electric demonstration vehicles based on the E82 1 Series. The models were codenamed ActiveE and featured a 125 kW electric motor (168 bhp) and 32 kWh battery to provide up to 94 miles on a single charge. The E82 Active E was used extensively throughout the 2012 London Olympics. This is the start of BMW’s ‘I’ programme with the I3 launching the following year in 2013.

BMW demonstrated their hydrogen drivetrain in the form of the iX5. With 5th generation eDrive, the iX5 converts hydrogen to electricity with the electric motor developing 125 kW (170 bhp). A second battery stores energy from braking and coasting - acting as a generator this alone develops 275 kW (374 bhp) for a combined output of 544 bhp. Seriously impressive considering water vapour is the only emission.

Electric BMW