BMW will release new 25 electrified cars by 2025. The company has revealed its ambitions to forge ahead with a platform sharing policy, which will result in the production of bespoke EVs, pure-electric cars, and plug-in hybrids. The firm’s highly celebrated models, such as the 3 Series, are set to utilize this strategy.
This new strategy is an integral part of the automaker’s “Number One> Next” principle, which leverages on the original architectures that gave birth to I and I Performance series. The automaker will use this plan to build and deliver 25 electrified vehicles by 2025. Out of the 25 EVs that will debut in 2025, 12 models will be 100% electric cars. The car-maker says the electrified vehicle sales will hit anywhere in the region of 15-25%.
BMW CLAR Platform To Form the iNEXT Plan
A significantly overhauled version of the CLAR platform will form the bedrock of this plan. It will premiere with the iNEXT policy in 2021. The BMW intends to pack this flagship I car with a suite of autonomous technologies. The company’s revived version of UKL1 front-wheel-drive platform, which is known as FAAR, will sit alongside the revamped architecture.
In contrast to the chassis underpinning the i3 and i8, BMW’s restyled CLAR and FAAR architectures are entirely scalable. They are also suitable for use in pure-electric cars, combustion engines and plug-in hybrid drivetrains. They come in two separate formats, and only the battery height differentiates them.
The supposed formats include a lower configuration and a higher setup. The lower layout will be used for coupe and saloons, while a higher setup suits SUVs. The automaker admits that all vehicles—including conventionally powered car models— will integrate the new platform. However, the use of bigger wheels likely negates this platform.
Gen 4 Electrified Vehicles
BMW has classified its newest electric vehicles as the Gen 4 models. Generation 4 models comprise the i8 Roadster and the redesigned i3 94Ah. This category of vehicles also applies to the pure-electric MINI. Apparently, Gen 4 models have a limited schedule as they must arrive to pave the way for the Gen 5 models that will debut in 2020 and 2021. The iNext and pure-electric X3 versions form the Gen 5.
Drivetrains and Output
The Gen 5 vehicles are set to convey an all-new compact electric motor that includes a single-speed transmission which advances the efficiency and packaging. The company will offer them in a series of outputs. For instance, standard variants will have 100-kilowatt along with 190-kilowatt. Further, 250-kilowatt and slightly above 300-kilowatt (443bhp) are reserved for top-tier editions.
Front-wheel drive FAAR versions with a front-mounted motor will have about 200-kilowatt, whereas rear-wheel-drive CLAR models could start with about 220-kilowatt. According to the manufacturer, four-wheel drive models are likely to include a motor on either axle. The “hot” versions could feature a triple-motor layout with two engines at the rear, delivering a total output of approximately 600-kilowatt. The hot versions have a potential to hit 62mph in 3 seconds.
Wide array of battery packs
Additionally, this platform will be flexible and will accommodate a wide array of battery packs. The compact executive variants such as the 3 Series are set to come with 60-kilowatt/hour and 90-kilowatt/hour batteries. The two batteries have a range of about 280 miles and 324 miles respectively. On the other hand, the luxury models like the 5 Series could feature either a bigger version of the two battery options or a larger 120-kilowatt/hour motor with a range of up to 435 miles.
The German automaker has also revealed that a new electric motor that will advance the performance of its plug-in hybrids is in the works. The new motor will increase the overall output to about 150-kilowatt and 450 Nm of torque. BMW reports that the new electric engine and transmission will save on space so that the PHEV will offer a luggage space equivalent to other conventionally powered vehicles.
Ancient Construction Techniques Unlikely To Meet the Mass-production Needs
This policy is doubtful about the future of the building approaches used in both i3 and i8 models. The two vehicles extensively utilized carbon-fiber materials and a bespoke platform. Using such materials in mass-production could present tremendous problems concerning logistics and costs.
BMW’s board member, one Ian Robertson was quoted saying the following: “We expect to manufacture as much I products as pure M products. Our I brand will see further development through I Performance, but we are not going to limit our ability to adjust in response to market demands.” He didn’t say anything beyond that, but we guessed that he restrained himself from confirming the future I products would utilize the same materials and building techniques as the i3 and i8.
