BMW Group expects to sell 100,000 plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles in 2017 – that is as many as in the past three years.
BMW is now entering Phase 2 of its electrification strategy after launching its BMW i subbrand for battery-powered and plug-in vehicles three years ago.
BMW will gradually be transferring BMW i technologies to all other Group brands, series and models. The company has already announced a MINI BEV for 2019 and a pure electric X3 for 2020.
Next year, BMW Group we will release a plug-in hybrid version of the MINI Countryman; followed in 2018 by the highly emotional i8 Roadster. This will be the first chance to combine e-mobility with genuine convertible feeling.
“I can promise you that range will continue to improve,” CEO Harald Krüger said.
BMW’s future architectures will be developed for all-electric, plug-in hybrids or conventional gasoline and diesel engines. This will give BMW the flexibility to respond to future demand, Krueger said. BMW’s current architectures can accommodate internal combustion engines or plug-in hybrids but not EVs. The i3 has its own architecture.
The automaker also will roll out the BMW iNext technology flagship in 2021. BMW previewed the iNext with the Vision Next 100 self-driving concept in March. This car embodies the four characteristics of modern mobility: Automated, connected, electrified and shared – in short: the mobility of the future.
“Our Strategy Number One Next is centred on consequent lightweight construction, alternative drivetrain technology, connectivity, autonomous driving functions and the interior of the future. The iNext will set the standard from 2021,” said Krüger.
