BMW 3 Series Plug-in hybrid prototype review - AutoExpress
BMW's current 3 Series ActiveHybrid is a powerful alternative to the faster diesel models, but the German company's next generation plug-in hybrid comes with tax-busting low emissions. BMW is developing a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid version of its best-selling 3 Series saloon, and it could go on sale within two years with CO2 emissions as low as 50g/km and an official fuel economy rating of 140mpg. A lithium-ion battery, mounted underneath the slightly smaller boot space, can be charged in as little as two hours from a dedicated home charging point - or around twice that from a standard public charging station. It powers an electric motor - derived from the eDrive technology seen in BMW's i models - up to speeds of 75mph in all-electric mode and has an electric-only range of 22 miles with zero emissions. BMW settled on this range based on customer driving data and a compromise on weight affecting the car’s balance, as a longer range would have meant a heavier battery. The weight of the plug-in hybrid system adds about 160 kilograms as it is. Despite this, engineers suggest that the balance of the car could be very close to BMW’s usual 50:50 weight distribution. Source: www.autoexpress.co.uk
