[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW Hits Half a Million Electrified Models Sold

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December 19, 2019 Munich. As an e-mobility pioneer, the BMW Group has reached another electromobility milestone and already delivered half a million electrified cars to customers worldwide. Sebastian Mackensen, BMW Group Senior Vice President Market Germany, handed over the keys to a very special BMW 330e* to its future owner at BMW Welt today.

"Half a million vehicles is the best proof: Our broad range of electrified vehicles is meeting exact customer needs. Now, we are stepping up the pace significantly: We aim to have one million electrified vehicles on the roads within two years. This is our contribution towards effective climate protection," said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

Comprehensive e-vehicle product offensive

Next year, the BMW X3 will become the first BMW Group vehicle available with four different drive train variants: efficient diesel, petrol, plug-in hybrid and pure electric. The biggest market for the pure electric BMW iX3* is China, where it will also be produced for the global market.The BMW iX3* will be the first to benefit from the ground-breaking fifth generation of our highly efficient BMW electric drive trains, which provide a new balance between range and battery size. The key lies in making the drive train substantially more efficient. Our technology flagship, the BMW iNEXT – which will also be available from 2021 – will combine electromobility with highly automated driving. The fully electric BMW iNEXT will be produced on the same assembly line in Dingolfing as vehicles with combustion engines and plug-in hybrids.This will be followed in 2021 by the BMW i4, a pure electric Gran Coupé in the premium mid-size segment with strong emotional appeal. The BMW i4 will be produced at the main plant in Munich.

Thanks to its role as a visionary technology flagship and continuing sales success since its launch in 2013, the BMW i3 has acquired the status of an icon. The BMW Group will continue to further develop this vehicle and currently plans to extend production until 2024. Since late this year, the BMW Group’s electrified model line-up has also been joined by a further pure electric vehicle, the MINI Electric*. The more than 90,000 registered prospects indicate the high level of customer interest in the first pure electric MINI.

Ambitious goals for electrified vehicle sales

With 12 electrified vehicles currently, the BMW Group is one of the world's leading providers of electric mobility. The company has been the market leader for electrified vehicles in Germany since 2016 and also occupies a leading position in Europe and worldwide. The company has formulated clear goals for sales of electrified vehicles for the years ahead: A quarter of all vehicles sold in Europe should be electrified by 2021. This should reach a third by 2025 and half in 2030.

“We already offer an electrified drive train variant for most of our model line-up – from MINI to the BMW 7 Series. Our customers get to choose: Not just their preferred model, but also the drive train that suits them best,” explained Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales. “This is the diversity our customers want and that can best meet their individual mobility needs.”

The Power of Choice

The BMW Group model line-up offers highly efficient combustion engines as well as modern plug-in hybrids and pure electric drive trains. This “Power of Choice” enables the company to meet customers’ varied needs and wants in different regions of the world. Depending on the drive train chosen, all current and future models deliver brand-specific driving pleasure. No matter which type of drive train the customer decides on: They can always expect a high level of efficiency and lower CO2 emissions from the BMW Group.

Exclusive handover at BMW Welt

A customer from Munich was in for a surprise when he came to collect his new vehicle. As part of a special and exclusive handover, the customer received the keys to his new BMW 330e* from Sebastian Mackensen, Senior Vice President Market Germany: The car in question was the BMW Group's 500,000th electrified vehicle. “For me, the BMW 330e – the plug-in hybrid 3 Series – combines the best of both worlds: For the most part, I can drive emission-free – especially in the city – but, on longer trips, I still have the flexible range of a combustion engine,” explained the car’s new owner, Florian Merk.

Sebastian Mackensen added: “I am very happy to celebrate the delivery of our 500,000th electrified vehicle here at BMW Welt. No one sells more electrified vehicles in Germany than we do. There are already about 60,000 electrified BMW and MINI models on German roads today. And in 2020 we will continue to launch additional models.”

BMW Group possesses extensive electromobility know-how

Thanks to its years of e-mobility experience, the BMW Group has acquired extensive and sound knowledge in this area. This provides the basis for the company to develop eDrive technology in-house, including the engine, power electronics and also the battery as well as the battery cells. This ensures BMW and MINI electrified vehicles still deliver brand-typical driving characteristics.

[jdg54]

Not an enthusiast's cup of tea, but a phenomenal accomplishment nonetheless. EVs are the future and I am glad to see that BMW won't be left behind.

[EL Jeffe 5]

All good but lets make it wireless charging

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by EL Jeffe 5

All good but lets make it wireless charging

BMW developed an induction charger. I don't know if they've released it for sale.

[wdeerfield]

we all know what the repair bills for an ICE BMW is out of warranty. I cant imagine the cost of repairs for these out of their short warranty period

[Obioban]

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

we all know what the repair bills for an ICE BMW is out of warranty. I cant imagine the cost of repairs for these out of their short warranty period

A new motor for the i3 is $3000-- with lifetime warranty, if you get it from FCP. Given that it only has one moving part, though, pretty unlikely to fail-- I haven't seen any examples.

Undamaged battery backs can be had used for $3000-4000, from low mileage crashed cars. That said, Samsung (makes the battery pack) says that, with average use, the battery should be good for 526,000 miles. Should be sufficient.

Other than that... there's not really any mechanical components to fail. No trans, no diff, no turbos, no belts, no exhaust, none of the endless ICE sensors, etc.

Should be a LOT cheaper out of warranty. Said as someone who currently owns a nearly 200,000 mile M5, a nearly 200,000 mile M3, and a 160,000 mile M3 with 20,000+ track miles on it-- one of which was owned from new (aka, I'm familiar with owning ICE BMWs out of warranty).

[GOLFFRR]

I want that scooter!

[Miko M]

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

BMW developed an induction charger. I don't know if they've released it for sale.

I think he meant what Nikola Tesla said over 100 years ago... wireless is possible.

[SteveinArizona]

I drive a 530e. About half my miles are local and therefore pure EV miles. But even when driving locally on pure EV, I drive enthusiastically. I do admit that when I am on the open road, I do open it up. That is my personal compromise.

[The Wind Breezes]

Originally Posted by Miko M

I think he meant what Nikola Tesla said over 100 years ago... wireless is possible.

Yeah the way NT did wireless power transmission with resonant coupling is well understood and you can do it yourself with a tesla coil and resonant antenna(s).

Unfortunately there are a bunch of downsides, not the least of which is getting RF burns from anything metal you touch in the field. That sucks.

There are other demonstrated ways to transmit power over large distances wirelessly but none of them are very practical. I'm sure we'll eventually solve this problem but it's not coming any time in the foreseeable future.

[Germanauto]

BMW out here trying to sugarcoat how behind they are of the curve on the EV game.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

BMW out here trying to sugarcoat how behind they are of the curve on the EV game.

But who really is "ahead"? Other than Tesla, no other manufacturer gets serious mention. Everyone acting like BMW is "failing" but then you look at what Porsche, Audi and Mercedes are doing and none of them are impressing anyone with their vehicles. E-Tron disappointing range than what was originally speculated. Taycan disappointing range and expensive. Mercedes EQC - the jury is still out.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

But who really is "ahead"? Other than Tesla, no other manufacturer gets serious mention. Everyone acting like BMW is "failing" but then you look at what Tesla, Audi and Mercedes are doing and none of them are impressing anyone with their vehicles. E-Tron disappointing range than what was originally speculated. Taycan disappointing range and expensive. Mercedes EQC - the jury is still out.

Fair point. EVs in general don't sell worth a lick besides Tesla.

Mediocre range aside, all these automakers have competition sitting in their own showrooms. Nobody is trying to pay $75k for a base E-tron when a similar looking and similar sized Q5 sitting next to it is $40k cheaper. The larger and more luxurious Q7 is $20k cheaper.

To get into the Tesla brand and utilize their tech, you have to go EV.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Fair point. EVs in general don't sell worth a lick besides Tesla.

Mediocre range aside, all these automakers have competition sitting in their own showrooms. Nobody is trying to pay $75k for a base E-tron when a similar looking and similar sized Q5 sitting next to it is $40k cheaper. The larger and more luxurious Q7 is $20k cheaper.

To get into the Tesla brand and utilize their tech, you have to go EV.

And I think that's the issue. I think BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Porsche could make an EV with range similar or close to Tesla. But, like you said, each brand's competition is in their own showroom. There's a good chance that if you're looking at a BMW, Audi, Mercedes or Porsche, it's a car you have been aspiring to buy. And if you had $75-100k to spend, there is a high probability that you're looking at an M, AMG, RS or 911 or any car that you may have been saving up for - not an EV from any of these brands.

All of these brands are trying to find that perfect middle ground where they don't completely abandon their bread butter models.

[A6bullet]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

And I think that's the issue. I think BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Porsche could make an EV with range similar or close to Tesla. But, like you said, each brand's competition is in their own showroom. There's a good chance that if you're looking at a BMW, Audi, Mercedes or Porsche, it's a car you have been aspiring to buy. And if you had $75-100k to spend, there is a high probability that you're looking at an M, AMG, RS or 911 or any car that you may have been saving up for - not an EV from any of these brands.

All of these brands are trying to find that perfect middle ground where they don't completely abandon their bread butter models.

I do agree up to a certain point. But BMW's new i models will come with vastly superior range when compared to predecessors and competitors. Also, they will continue to evolve. Im fine with not getting it early, as long as when they produce it to market they are solid offerings.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by A6bullet

I do agree up to a certain point. But BMW's new i models will come with vastly superior range when compared to predecessors and competitors. Also, they will continue to evolve. Im fine with not getting it early, as long as when they produce it to market they are solid offerings.

BMW's electric models are improving - albeit at a slow pace, but like you said, you're happy to wait it out and I feel like most BMW buyers feel the same where they're looking at and for BMW as we know it today and not an EV BMW. BMW knows this and it's likely why their electric offerings seem a bit lacklustre. Eventually they will need to stop and go all in on electric but it's not like the other German manufacturers are doing anything impressive either.

[A6bullet]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

BMW's electric models are improving - albeit at a slow pace, but like you said, you're happy to wait it out and I feel like most BMW buyers feel the same where they're looking at and for BMW as we know it today and not an EV BMW. BMW knows this and it's likely why their electric offerings seem a bit lacklustre. Eventually they will need to stop and go all in on electric but it's not like the other German manufacturers are doing anything impressive either.

Agreed! BMW should have hoped on the wave they created with introduction of the i8 and so forth. Instead they just gave up? IDK something happened and the (i) range fell into the back burner.

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by A6bullet

Agreed! BMW should have hoped on the wave they created with introduction of the i8 and so forth. Instead they just gave up? IDK something happened and the (i) range fell into the back burner.

People aren't buying them :

[Obioban]

Originally Posted by ///M4ster Yoda

People aren't buying them :

Worldwide they increasingly are.

i3 sales by model year:

2013: 311
2014: 16,052
2015: 24,057
2016: 25,528
2017: 31,482
2018: 36,829
2019: over 30,000 after 11 months

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by Obioban

Worldwide they increasingly are.

i3 sales by model year:

2013: 311
2014: 16,052
2015: 24,057
2016: 25,528
2017: 31,482
2018: 36,829
2019: over 30,000 after 11 months

I live in NY (large population area). I've seen 15 i3's and 10 i8's in the wild over the last 5 years. No exaggeration.

I see 1 Tesla for every 200 cars on a daily basis. Not a good percentage IMO. Sure in California every Tom Dick and Harry thats "saving" Mother Earth is "driving" one. The rest of the USA not so much. I do see the occasional 530e but even that's kinda rare.

Not sure Americans (-Cali) are really ready or that into electric vehicles. Range anxiety etc etc... are holding a lot of people back. That and Americans want big gas guzzling trucks/SUVs.

Edit: I don't care about worldwide sales where governments are "forcing" the populations to "adopt" electric vehicles.

[Obioban]

Originally Posted by ///M4ster Yoda

I live in NY (large population area). I've seen 15 i3's and 10 i8's in the wild over the last 5 years. No exaggeration.

I see 1 Tesla for every 200 cars on a daily basis. Not a good percentage IMO. Sure in California every Tom Dick and Harry thats "saving" Mother Earth is "driving" one. The rest of the USA not so much. I do see the occasional 530e but even that's kinda rare.

Not sure Americans (-Cali) are really ready or that into electric vehicles. Range anxiety etc etc... are holding a lot of people back. That and Americans want big gas guzzling trucks/SUVs.

Edit: I don't care about worldwide sales where governments are "forcing" the populations to "adopt" electric vehicles.

As much as New Yorkers like to think otherwise, New York is not the world.

That said, I’m not sure it’s a car that makes sense in NYC. If you can’t charge at home, which I’d imagine most people can’t in NYC, it would be pretty annoying. DDing an ev is so much less annoying they getting gas every 2-3 days as I was before. But, if I had to wait for the car to charge, even on a fast charger? That would be a deal breaker for me.

People are nuts in how much range they think they need. I have a battery only i3, and we’ve put 20,000 miles on it in the last 6 months (since we bought it). I’m pretty sure that’s way more than most people drive (40,000 miles/year), and range has never been even slightly an issue for us.

[Gamb1t]

That blue G20 330e look pretty slick to me. Doesn't scream dorky EV. Read it drives even better than an F30. A 330e Touring would be so sweet.

I think with EVs I'd start with leasing. Not my preferred method but it keeps the depreciation risk with the mfg. Based on local CL listing of used Model S, and other EVs they don't hold their values well.