BMW planning plug-in hybrid versions of core models
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tech/" rel="tag">Technology</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/electric/" rel="tag">Electric</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-3-series-edrive-mechanicals/"><img alt="BMW 3 Series eDrive" data-credit="BMW" data-credit-link-back="undefined" data-mep="589434" src="http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/crop/3508x2330+0+0/resize/628x417!/format/jpg/quality/85/http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/da57698dd5aa575d89a85ac7c 6043e73/201175702/P90169259.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
To the casual observer, there's a sort of schism in the world of fuel sipping. The Japanese, Koreans and Americans have embraced electrification by way of hybrid powertrains, while our German friends lean towards diesel technology. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/">BMW</a> is actively pushing to change that impression, as it's announced that it will take a break from niche-busting MPVs and lifted, four-door coupes to produce plug-in hybrid versions of some of its "core-brand" models.<br />
<br />
This charge will be led by a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/3+series/">3 Series eDrive</a>, whose innards are shown above, with BMW fitting a version of its turbocharged four-cylinder and an electric motor to its popular sedan. This, it should be noted, is quite a departure from the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/activehybrid+3/">ActiveHybrid 3</a>, which relies on a thirstier 3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder. More specific details, such as the total system output, the electric range of the plug-in system or the amount of time it will take to charge, aren't yet available. BMW has, however, said the eDrive 3's systems are "directly based" on those used in the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/i3/">i3</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/i8/">i8</a>, and that includes larger components, like the lithium-ion battery and electric motor.<br />
<br />
"All BMW Group models benefit from <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/bmw+i/">BMW i</a>. The fundamental technology involved in battery cells, electric motors and the power electronics will be used in our upcoming plug-in hybrid models," said BMW board member Herbert Diess. "When it comes to the electrification of the drivetrain, we are deliberately developing a wide-ranging expertise in order to offer our customers worldwide the ideal solution."<br />
<br />
BMW will unveil a prototype of the 3 Series eDrive in Miramas, France, although it's not clear when either it, or the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/x5/">X5 eDrive</a> the company mentioned in its <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/12/01/bmw-plug-in-hybrid-versions-core-models/#continued">attached press release</a>, will arrive to market.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/12/01/bmw-plug-in-hybrid-versions-core-models/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>BMW planning plug-in hybrid versions of core models</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/12/01/bmw-plug-in-hybrid-versions-core-models/">BMW planning plug-in hybrid versions of core models</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Mon, 01 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our <a href="/rss-term-of-use/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/12/01/bmw-plug-in-hybrid-versions-core-models/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/21001117/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/12/01/bmw-plug-in-hybrid-versions-core-models/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

أكثر...