BMW Megacity to Have Range Extender on Demand

The plug-in hybrid – electric vehicle debate has been around for as long as these new types of propulsion means have become a viable choice for the future. Currently, two iconic cars, one American, one Japanese, each representing the two similar, but not identical means of propulsion are battling for supremacy in the initial launch markets.

It's not clear who will win yet, but the plug-in hybrids seem to have a bit of an advantage over pure electric cars, mostly because, when needed, a regular internal combustion engine can be used to generate the much-needed power and extend the range of the vehicle.

Across the ocean, in Europe, premium car makers too are getting ready to launch their EVs. While Daimler has the fuel cell technology and Audi focuses on the e-tron, BMW bets it all on the Megacity. And, according to some additional info which surfaced this week, the vehicle will become a force to be reckoned with.

The Megacity is planned as a pure electric vehicle but, in an attempt to satisfy all types of customers, a range extender will be also offered, to the customers who desire it. The news was made public by Frederick Eichiner, the car maker's financial officer, who told Focus.de that the Megacity would draw its power from an optional small internal combustion engine.

As it was previewed in the ActiveE, the Megacity is capable of reaching 100 miles on a single charge. The range extender will be worth all the money, regardless of how much BMW will charge for it, as it will bring that number to as much as 150 miles, BMWblog reports.

On February 21, BMW is expected to announce the name of the Megacity vehicle. With it, some additional information will also be released.