BMW seriously updates its EV plans with 12 all-electric cars, claims some with over ‘400 miles’ of range

On the new all-electric vehicle front, BMW had nothing to offer since launching the i3 almost 5 years ago and they are not expected to have a new EV built from the ground up to be electric until 2019.

The impressive gap raised doubts about BMW’s commitment to all-electric cars, but now the German automaker updates its EV plans with more all-electric models and mass production.

BMW previously said that electric models, which include all-electric cars and plug-in hybrids, are expected to account for “around 15 to 25 per cent” of their sales.

But it was never clear how significant of a place all-electric cars will have in that segment.

Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, clarified the company’s position during a speech for a preview IAA 2017 today:

“Let me make one thing very clear: In e-mobility, the BMW Group will also be the leading provider in the premium segment. By 2025, we will offer 25 electrified vehicles – 12 will be fully-electric. Today, and at the IAA, you will see the concept vehicle for the first series electric MINI, for release in 2019. As we have announced, we will be introducing the first BMW core model – the X3 – as a BEV in 2020. Going forward, all fully-electric BMWs will belong to BMW i. This also applies to the X3. We have also announced the BMW iNEXT – our next innovation spearhead – for 2021.”

Klaus Fröhlich, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG for Development, also confirmed that the electric Mini and X3 will be mass-produced, which should significantly increase the volume of all-electric vehicle delivered by the company.

Last month, BMW unveiled the design of the Mini Electric concept ahead of the 2019 production version.

The updated plans seem to be putting more emphasis on all-electric vehicles rather than what BMW calls “electrified vehicles”, which can include anything from a hybrid (HEV) to a battery-powered vehicle (BEV).

Fröhlich said that range is a new focus and that their BEVs, like their PHEVs, will see significant increases in range. He said about what they are putting in place for their vehicle lineup:

• Battery-powered vehicles will enter mass-production and become widely accessible. And with up to 700 km of range, they will be practical for daily use.
• Our plug-in hybrids – or “Power PHEVs” will set new standards in performance and with ranges of up to 100 km.

Now, of course, he is likely talking about NEDC-rated range, which is actually a lot closer to 500 km (310 miles) and 60 km (38 miles) practical range.

It’s still a significant improvement over what BMW is currently offering.

What do you think of BMW’s electrification plan? Let us know in the comment section below.