Do BMW Plug-In Hybrids Charge When Driving?
Introduction
Do BMW Plug-In Hybrids Charge When Driving? The BMW i8 is the electric plug-in hybrid from the German automaker. Featuring both an electric motor and a three cylinder, turbocharged internal combustion engine, this car can operate on just electricity or gas power, depending on the demands of the driver. The car’s battery pack can be recharged by plugging it into any household outlet, but does this happen when driving as well? Or does it require that you charge the battery using BMW’s special charging system? These are questions we’ll answer in our guide on do BMW plug-in hybrids charge when driving.
BMW Plug-In Hybrid owners are likely aware that they can drive longer in pure electric mode when they’re not driving aggressively. However, many don’t realize that the car charges when it drives as well as when plugged in at home or at the dealership. Here’s why this happens and what you need to know about charging your BMW Plug-In Hybrid.
Do BMW Plug-In Hybrids Charge When Driving?
BMW is known for its high performance and premium cars, so it might surprise you to learn that they are entering the plug-in hybrid car market with the 2016 BMW 740e iPerformance Plug-In Hybrid Sedan (fuel economy numbers pending). In fact, it might surprise you even more to learn that this plug in hybrid actually charges while you’re driving, so there’s no need to plug it in to charge at all! How does BMW do this?
What is a plug-in hybrid?
Plug-in hybrids use the electric motor for power and a gasoline engine to recharge the battery. The car can be plugged in to charge it, or if there is no outlet nearby, it will charge while driving. BMW plug-in hybrids have a fuel economy rating of 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). BMW offers both fully electric and hybrid vehicles that can run on either electricity or gasoline. BMW’s fully electric i3 model has an all-electric range of 93 miles with city/highway MPGe ratings of 106/106 respectively. With a starting price point of $42,400 before any tax credits, BMW’s fully electric vehicle is not as affordable as other options available on the market such as Nissan Leaf which starts at $29,990. For those who want something more upscale with less hassle, BMW also offers their version of the Tesla Model S – with pricing starting at $120,700 before any tax incentives.
How do plug-in hybrids work?
Plug-in hybrids are a type of hybrid vehicle that can be plugged in to an electrical outlet, like a home or office. BMW plug-in hybrids charge when driving. The battery stores energy during braking and coasting, and this energy is used as the primary power source for the car. BMW’s take advantage of regenerative braking (the process where the electric motors turn into generators when slowing down) to recover about 50% of their total braking force. They also have regenerative charging which recovers braking energy and converts it to electricity which goes back into the battery. BMW plug-in hybrids use a generator motor rather than an internal combustion engine so they’re much more efficient at converting fuel into electricity, making them perfect for commuters who have long distances to travel.
What are the benefits of owning a plug-in hybrid?
Plug in hybrids are meant to combine the electric power of a pure EV with the convenience and range of a hybrid. BMW’s plug in hybrids charge when driving, but not during braking or coasting. The advantage of this system is that you can drive for longer distances without having to worry about the battery running out. If you’re looking for an efficient car that will save you money on gas, then a BMW plug in hybrid is worth considering.
Do BMW plug-in hybrids charge when driving?
BMW plug in hybrids are an excellent choice for drivers looking to reduce their dependence on gasoline. BMW offers both series and parallel charging, allowing the vehicle to be charged by either the electric engine or plugged into an outlet. The BMW i3 also features a range extender, which is a small gasoline engine that can power the vehicle when it runs out of battery life. When driving, if you’re expecting your car to charge rather than drain its battery, you’ll need to keep your car plugged into an outlet for optimal performance.
Conclusion
BMW plug-in hybrids can charge when driving as well as by plugging in. In addition, BMW’s electric cars charge faster than their gas counterparts, and they have a longer range.
Plug in hybrids may be an excellent option for people who have long commutes. They are economical to operate, because they use fuel more efficiently than a standard car or SUV, and they emit less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. And if you do not want to spend money on gasoline or diesel fuel – which is likely to get more expensive over time – then it makes sense to go with a plug in hybrid.
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