BMW Group announced Monday it is launching plug-in hybrid, extended-range versions of its core-brand model cars.
DETROIT, MI - BMW Group announced Monday it is launching plug-in hybrid, extended-range versions of its core-brand model cars.
Like other extended range, electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt, the BMW vehicles will have an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by an externally rechargeable, high-voltage battery.
The electric motor will be based on BMW's eDrive technology now found on the i3 and i8 models. The gasoline engine will be based on the four cylinder, TwinPower Turbo engine now found in BMW models.
"All BMW Group models benefit from BMW i. The fundamental technology involved in battery cells, electric motors and the power electronics will be used in our upcoming plug-in hybrid models," Herbert Diess, a board member of BMW AG, Development, said in a statement. "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."
BMW Group, which includes the BMW, MINI and Roll-Royce car brands, said it is investing tens of millions of euros at a plant in Dingolfing, Germany as it plans to build eDrive technologies and components there. The German automaker said it will be able to quickly expand the flexible technology across its vehicle range.
David Muller is the automotive and business reporter for MLive Media Group in Detroit. Email him at dmuller@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter or Facebook.