BMW Drives Forward its EV Range

Like many other automotive manufacturers, BMW is certainly accelerating its EV game. The world-famous German automakers are fast expanding its BMW range of fully electric vehicles, and are demonstrating new realms of innovation in the e-mobility space. And, with a plethora of new names entering the electric car segment, it can be reassuring to know that familiar brands are offering solutions, as many motorists transition to EVs for the first time. EVIOS, as specialists in smart home car charging points, is following BMW’s electric car journey with interest.

Let’s rewind the clock. It started with the BMW i3; BMW’s first fully electric car launched in 2013, complete with an ultra-strong carbon-fibre body, the first mass-produced car of its type. At the time, some of us likened this distinctive styled car to be rather like Marmite: you either loved, or loathed it! BMW proved it was a forward-thinking marque, as it introduced this very different looking car, that was both fun and quirky.  And, judging by its popularity in the years that have followed, it paid dividends with around 250,000 BMW i3s reportedly sold over its 9-year reign. The i3 marked the start of BMW’s entry into the electric car market. (BMW announced in July 2022 that production of its i3 was coming to an end.)

Around the same time, and at the other end of the spectrum, BMW went on to launch the sporty, futuristic looking i8, albeit hybrid rather than fully electric. More BMW hybrid models followed suit in the years that followed.

Fast forward to 2023, and BMW is firmly in the driving seat of electric car innovation, and continues to expand its range at pace. Combining “engineering, innovation and aesthetics”, BMW’s electric car range has significantly evolved and currently includes 6 full-electric models. BMW has set itself the target of achieving 12 fully electric BMW cars as well as 13 plug-in hybrid cars by 2025.

BMW’s fully electric range is varied, for sure.  Starting with the entry model, the BMW iX1, the compact SUV launched in 2022. Prices start at £53,545 and the BMW iX1 offers up to 270 miles on a single charge. BMW’s growing electric car range also comprises the BMW iX3 capable of 285 miles on a single charge, from £62,865. And for those who are looking for an electric car with a longer range, there is of course the technically impressive BMW iX currently available as iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive50, offering 380 miles on a single charge. It’s a little more expensive than its standard iX1 and iX3 counterparts (prices are from £69,905). Rather like the early BMW i3, the iX has some very distinctive styling, which will appeal to some and not to others. The iX range is expanding with the new BMW iX M60 due out mid-2023. It will be BMW’s first pure-electric M model, promising state-of-the-art technology and enhanced range as standard, and a WLTP range of 348 miles, delivering a sporty 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds.

It is worth mentioning that the BMW iX1 and the iX are all-wheel-drive, however, the BMW iX3 – despite it being a family-sized SUV (or SAV Sports Activity Vehicle as BMW prefers to describe it) - is rear wheel drive. Production of the first BMW iX3 started in 2020.

But, if you really want to push the boat out, then there is always the luxurious BMW i7 XDrive 60 with a starting price of £110,000 and an impressive 387-mile range. Incorporating high-quality materials for a premium finish, BMW says the i7 showcases, “the new face of luxury and combines elegance with outstanding driving characteristics and multi-sensory entertainment.”

Completing BMW’s current collection of all-electric cars are the expressive BMW i4 Gran Coupés – the eDrive40 with 364-mile range (£53,185) and the i4 M50 starting at £69,040 capable of 318 miles on a single charge; the latter delivering up to 544 hp (400 kW) from the electric drive.

BMW offers customers some preferential electric car charging rates, through partnerships with public EV charger providers, including BP Pulse and Ionity. Of course, most EV drivers will also have their own smart home charger installed where they live, so as not to be wholly reliant on the public EV charging infrastructure.

WhatCar awarded the BMW iX ‘Best Electric SUV for Long Distances 2022’, saying that, “… you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better travelling companion than BMW’s electric flagship. Long trips can be made in near silence and excellent comfort, thanks to the air suspension that comes as standard; the ride is a match for the Audi E-trons, and the iX is even quieter than that car. In fact, it is one of the quietest cars we’ve ever tested.”

BMW technology plays a leading role in the appeal of its electric car range. The BMW iX range is powered by fifth generation intelligent eDrive technology comprising a highly efficient electric motor, optimised energy density high-voltage battery and a high charging capacity. BMW says its fifth generation eDrive technology is “more dynamic, efficient and innovative than ever.” Like many other electric cars, the regenerative braking also comes in handy to harvest some additional miles to extend the range, supplementing that generated from EV chargers.

BMW’s electric cars have that high-tech future-concept feel inside the cockpit and it’s fair to say, that BMW is now offering a lot more in terms of standard equipment with its electric car range, than with many of its ICE predecessors. Features such as BMW Live Cockpit Plus, BMW Operating System 8 with navigation, electrically adjustable front seats, heated front seats, automatic air conditioning with 2-zone control, and more being just a few such examples, along with a host of connected drive experiences.

The latest BMW iX3 is, for example, packed with standard equipment. BMW says its “iX3 integrates future technology with proven, present-day automotive concepts. Intelligent charging options are combined with the highest driving dynamics and a design featuring clear, powerful contours.”

So, what about charging your BMW electric car? BMW offers its EV charging solution to customers and the assistance of the BMW App, which tells gives you all the information you need to know about your car’s state of charge, and will also show you where the nearest public EV charging stations are.

Charging times vary from model to model, but taking the BMW iX1 as an example, battery recharge to 80% can take just 29 minutes using a public high-speed charger (50kW), with 75 miles of range in just 10 minutes, dependent on ambient conditions.

When it comes to charging your BMW at home, the EVIOS One smart home charge point is the perfect companion. Like BMW, we are forward-thinking and pioneering in our sphere. Similarly, EVIOS home charging points are stylishly designed and utilise some of the most innovative technology, with proven reliability while always keeping you ‘connected’ for the best EV experiences.

The EVIOS One 7kW (single phase) home charge point is a great option for charging your electric car at home. It provides three charging options: Pure Speed (for fast charging), Pure Green (when using renewable energy such as that from solar panels ideal for those who want a solar home charger) and Pure Value (connecting with your energy tariff for the most economical charging solution).

Produced to high quality standards in Great Britain, the EVIOS One EV home charger, features some of the most intelligent charging technology. It has been developed to not only be one of the smartest home chargers for electric cars, but also one of the simplest and most intuitive for the best user experiences. Charging sessions can be controlled and monitored using the EVIOS mobile App.

To find out more, please get in touch.