Photo: BMW
BMW is pondering the launch of an all-electric SUV with a range that exceeds 200 miles.
BMW's i range might receive a new member shortly, but it may no longer be a sedan, as it was originally expected. In an exclusive interview with AutoExpress, BMW's board member responsible for sales and marketing, Ian Robertson, admitted to exploring new i models. The BMW official stated that no firm decision has been made so far.
The possibility of an electric SUV from BMW is growing stronger, though, thanks to emission regulations restricting carmakers worldwide. Thanks to the popularity of the SUV body style and the ever-increasing sales figures of such vehicles, BMW's executives are apparently pondering a new entry in the company's eco-friendly range.
However, Ian Robertson states that the BMW i range isn't all about electric propulsion, but about new technologies. This statement could mean that the future i5 SUV could also be a hybrid or a range-extended electric vehicle. Whatever solution the people at BMW choose, some say that the new car could be showcased in 2016, when the Munich-based carmaker is celebrating its centenary.
Even if BMW doesn't launch an electric SUV in the next few years, there's no likely reason this body style wouldn't be appropriate for such a vehicle. The German company could wait until battery technology attains a level of performance that would allow seriously increasing the range of electric cars.
Battery technology is a vital topic for any big carmaker these days and the folks at BMW make no exception. According to Ian Robertson, battery technology is developing fast and lithium-air could be the next big thing in this area. Once electric car batteries get rid of liquids, they will become lighter and smaller while their capacity will increase dramatically.
The possibility of an electric SUV from BMW is growing stronger, though, thanks to emission regulations restricting carmakers worldwide. Thanks to the popularity of the SUV body style and the ever-increasing sales figures of such vehicles, BMW's executives are apparently pondering a new entry in the company's eco-friendly range.
However, Ian Robertson states that the BMW i range isn't all about electric propulsion, but about new technologies. This statement could mean that the future i5 SUV could also be a hybrid or a range-extended electric vehicle. Whatever solution the people at BMW choose, some say that the new car could be showcased in 2016, when the Munich-based carmaker is celebrating its centenary.
Even if BMW doesn't launch an electric SUV in the next few years, there's no likely reason this body style wouldn't be appropriate for such a vehicle. The German company could wait until battery technology attains a level of performance that would allow seriously increasing the range of electric cars.
Battery technology is a vital topic for any big carmaker these days and the folks at BMW make no exception. According to Ian Robertson, battery technology is developing fast and lithium-air could be the next big thing in this area. Once electric car batteries get rid of liquids, they will become lighter and smaller while their capacity will increase dramatically.
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