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Electric car battery and drive technology.

How an electric car works.

BMW i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupé: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km1: 18.6–15.4; Electric range, WLTP in km : 590

The stated values are based on the mandatory WLTP measurement procedure. The real life values depend on various factors, e.g. cargo weight, driving style, route, weather conditions, auxiliary electrical consumption (including air conditioning), tires, battery state of health.

BMW i5 M60 xDrive Sedan: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km1: 20.5–18.2; Electric range, WLTP in km: 457–516

The stated values are based on the mandatory WLTP measurement procedure. The real life values depend on various factors, e.g. cargo weight, driving style, route, weather conditions, auxiliary electrical consumption (including air conditioning), tires, battery state of health.

BMW i3: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km1: 16,6–15,3; Electric range, WLTP in km: 278–307

The stated values are based on the mandatory WLTP measurement procedure. The real life values depend on various factors, e.g. cargo weight, driving style, route, weather conditions, auxiliary electrical consumption (including air conditioning), tires, battery state of health.

What makes an electric car special.

An exploded view of a BMW electric drive

Electric motors impress with their powerful acceleration.

Compared to a combustion engine, the power of an electric drive is unleashed even more dynamically. When driven, its full power is delivered without delay.

Close-up of a person charging a BMW electric vehicle

The electric car battery replaces the fuel tank.

Drive with electricity, instead of burning fuel. An electric car does not have a petrol or diesel tank. It has an electric car battery, well protected to withstand an accident, along with a charging system.

BMW Electric car Regenerative braking vs conventional braking

Recuperation charges the battery during braking.

Cars with an electric motor have a regenerative brake system. Unlike conventional brake systems, it recovers energy. This is known as energy recovery or recuperation.

The BMW electric car battery. Good to know.

Capacity, charging power or weight. Lots of terms are used with electric car batteries. A brief overview.

Close-up of several blue and white batteries on a conveyor belt at a BMW plant
An illustration of a dismantled battery
A deconstructed BMW chassis with a battery socket

Electric car batteries are essentially energy packs.

Batteries of electric cars are mobile energy stores. Electric car batteries consist of a large number of battery cells. These cells are charged with electricity from the charging station and transfer it to the electric motor. The amount of energy an electric car battery can store in kilowatt hours (kWh) is calculated from the number and energy content of the cells, often expressed in the form of its capacity. The charging power in kilowatts (kW) indicates how quickly an electric car will charge at the charging station.

An electric car battery is very powerful.

An electric car battery works in principle rather like a mobile phone battery, although it is much bigger and more powerful, with a longer service life. An intelligent heat management system keeps the electric car battery at an optimum operating temperature. On the one hand, this protects it from excessively high temperatures when high power is called for when driving. On the other hand, it ensures the shortest possible charging times for your BMW.

Battery weight is linked to its range.

The larger the electric car battery, the more energy it can store. This increases its range, but also its weight. An electric car battery can weigh several hundred kilograms. Continuously improved technology and increasing energy density are extending the range without adding more weight to the electric car battery. BMW is also contributing to this with its Battery Cell Competence Centre.

A long service life is the inherent value of an electric car battery.

Like a combustion engine, the electric car battery is the most valuable component of a BMW. Among other things, the price of an electric car battery depends on its capacity. In short, the more energy an electric car battery can store, the more it costs. However, drivers can have a positive impact on the service life of an electric car battery by adapting their own driving behaviour. Built-in functions also help to protect it.

Side view of a grey BMW driving along a road by the sea

How to positively impact the service life of your electric car battery.

An electric car battery has been developed with the greatest care. However, range and charging performance decline somewhat over time in line with a normal ageing process. This is known as the State of Health (SoH). This term expresses the maximum energy capacity of a used electric car battery compared to a new one. A lower SoH equates to a shorter range. But you can maximise the service life of the battery with careful treatment and cautious driving style.

Recommendations to optimise the service life of your electric car battery.

How the electric car battery retains its high energy level.

An electric car battery is designed for all kinds of everyday driving situations but is subject to physically induced ageing. One aspect of its ageing is time-related, by its age in years. The more consistently high states of charge and battery temperatures are avoided when the vehicle is parked, the lower is its time-related ageing. The second aspect of ageing is significantly influenced by the number of charging and discharging cycles. This is what is known as cyclic ageing. It is reduced, among other things, by an anticipatory driving style and moderate charging power.

An illustration of a BMW i3 with the battery taken out

Long-term experience using the
example of the BMW i3.

The durability of BMW electric car batteries is demonstrated by our pioneering electric car, the BMW i3. We have been observing the ageing process of its electric car battery since 2013. And even before that, during the development of the BMW i3, we analysed the ageing process by simulating it in complex driving and charging tests.

A woman walks past a blue BMW in front of a BMW car dealership

Find the perfect used BMW electric car.

Are you interested in finding a used electric car from BMW in premium quality? Find out more about our used electric cars here.

An illustration of a dismantled battery

Best prerequisites for newer BMW generations.

Compared to current models, the early BMW i3 models had very small electric car batteries. But, thanks to technical advances and bigger batteries, newer BMW electric car generations are once again better equipped to deal with ageing. However, as this is affected in individual cases by many factors, it is impossible to make a blanket statement about the ageing process of individual vehicles.

The structure of an electric motor. Explained simply.

An illustration of a BMW electric motor
An exploded view illustration of a current-excited synchronous motor
An illustration with cross-section of a permanent-magnet-excited synchronous motor
Rear view of a grey BMW i5 on a city road

How an electric drive works.

An electric motor converts current into movement. It has two key components: the rotor and stator. As its name suggests, the rotor rotates. This occurs by the interaction of the magnetic field of the rotor and stator. The rotor’s magnetic field is generated by magnets or current, depending on the type of motor. The electric motor transmits this turning motion to the wheels through a 1-speed transmission. When you look at the driving cycle (WLTP), the efficiency of an electric motor is more than three times that of a combustion engine. BMW electric vehicles are often fitted with very efficient current-excited synchronous motors, so-called CESMs.

Benefits of current-excited synchronous motors (CESM).

A core competence at BMW is its widespread use of CESMs. These motors are distinguished by dispensing with the use of “rare earth elements” in the rotor. Compared to other types of motor, CESMs feature efficient power characteristics and also accelerate well at high speed. This is useful when overtaking on the motorway. CESMs also have efficient consumption. As they magnetise the rotor with current, they either work efficiency-optimised or power-optimised, depending on the situation.

Benefits of permanent-magnet-excited synchronous motors (PMSM).

A PMSM design of electric motor boasts a high power density. Within a given space, it can generate comparably high levels of power. Technically, it differs from an CESM in that it generates the magnetic field in the rotor differently, by producing it by permanent magnets. A PMSM is therefore ideal for integration into the transmission of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and M-PHEV (BMW XM) vehicles.

Simple engineering. Simple to drive.

A BMW electric car accelerates directly. Without the need to use the clutch and shift gear. Unlike a combustion engine, an electric motor makes its power available even more immediately. Its torque is high and almost constant in the lower speed ranges. At higher speeds, the electric motor can summon its full power at any time. Unlike with a combustion engine, its speed does not need to be adjusted by changing gear.

Driving an electric BMW. A unique experience.

An electric BMW drives relaxingly quietly, yet at the same time in a familiar way. When you step on the pedal, it accelerates immediately, powerfully and with excellent modulation. And there is a precise pedal feel when braking. It also has a low centre of gravity due to the battery being located in the underbody. And your BMW also boasts excellent roadholding.

Side view of a grey BMW on a city road

Why an electric car accelerates so quickly.

The use of a 1-speed transmission means your electric BMW accelerates seamlessly without shifting. Torque is immediately there when you depress the accelerator pedal. When you take your foot off the pedal, your BMW slows down just as readily, depending on your preference and your selected energy recovery setting.

How a BMW brakes with intelligent recuperation.

The brake system of an electric BMW analyses braking situations for maximum efficiency and makes use of the full recuperation potential of the electric motor. If need be, the conventional brake system is also activated. This intelligent interplay recovers maximum energy, is gentle on the brakes and reduces brake particle emissions.

Questions and answers about batteries and electric motors.

More information.

A blue-gray BMW iX drives along an ocean road

Electric range. 

Our electric cars have a range that easily allows you to travel longer distances. The route planner will show you where you can charge your car while on the road.

A red BMW is charging at a charging station in a wooden garage

Charging at home.

Charge your electric car or plug-in hybrid overnight or between trips. Start your day ready to go and conveniently adapt the charging of your electric BMW to your everyday life.

Legal notice.

BMW i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupé2: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km: 18.6–15.4; Electric range, WLTP in km : 590

BMW i4 M502: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km: 22.5–18; Electric range, WLTP in km : 415–520

BMW i5 M60 xDrive Sedan2: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km: 20.5–18.2; Electric range, WLTP in km : 457–516

BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring2: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km: 20.6–18.2; Electric range, WLTP in km : 455–516

BMW i7 xDrive602: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km: 19.6–19.2; Electric range, WLTP in km : 589–602

BMW iX3 50 xDrive2: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km: 17.9–15.1; Electric range, WLTP in km : 679–805

BMW iX1 xDrive302: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km: 18.1-17; Electric range, WLTP in km : 417–437

BMW iX2 eDrive202: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km: 16.9–15.3; Electric range, WLTP in km : 439–478

BMW iX xDrive502: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km: 21.3–20.8; Electric range, WLTP in km :  587–602 

BMW iX M602: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km: 24.7-22; Electric range, WLTP in km : 566–499

The values of fuel consumptions, CO2 emissions and energy consumptions shown were determined according to the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the version applicable at the time of type approval. The figures refer to a vehicle with basic configuration in Germany and the range shown considers optional equipment and the different size of wheels and tires available on the selected model.

The CO2 efficiency specifications are determined according to Directive 1999/94/EC and the European Regulation in its current version applicable. The values shown are based on the fuel consumption, CO2 values and energy consumptions according to the NEDC cycle for the classification.

When charging times are shown they can be affected by a number of factors such as type of charger, voltage supplied to the charger/car and type of current (AC or DC) supplied to the charger/car. The car also plays a role in charging times as it can be set by the driver to accept various different amperage and should preconditioning be used to heat or cool the vehicle while charging this will also affect the charging time.

The basis for the calculation of the charging times for 100 km range is the electric consumption of the vehicle based on the use of a high-Powered Charging station (HPC) or charging type and current as indicted in the literature above. The testing procedure measures are based on a 23 degrees Celsius battery start and ambient temperature with certification values excluding additional auxiliary consuming devices and systems within the vehicle such as seat heating, displays, air conditioning.

Individual consumption (fuel economy) may differ due to driving profile, vehicle load profile, auxiliary consumer usage, temperature, and ambient conditions. Consumption is based on WLTP or NEDC (whichever is indicated) best case conditions and is independently tested for BMW Group. If you are comparing this range with other models or brands make sure they are stating the same WLTP or NEDC testing regime. These results can be used to compare vehicles on a close to “like for like” basis but are unlikely to be achieved in real world conditions for reasons including temperature variation, driving conditions and the use of the auxiliary systems referred to above.

Information provided and images displayed on this site include overseas models and may show some features not available in New Zealand. Please contact an authorised BMW dealer for specific information on vehicles and features available in New Zealand. Product changes may have been made since production of this content.

¹ Official data for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, power consumption and electric range was determined in accordance with the prescribed measuring procedure and corresponds to European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the applicable version. For ranges, data determined as per WLTP takes into account any optional equipment (available on the German market in this case). For vehicles that have been newly type approved since 1 January 2021, only the official data according to WLTP exists. In addition, NEDC values are deleted from the certificates of conformity as of 1 January 2023 by EC regulation 2022/195. For more information about NEDC and WLTP measuring procedures visit www.bmw.com/wltp

Further information about fuel consumption and official model-specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars can be found in the "Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption for new passenger cars", available free of charge at all points of sale, at the Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen, Germany, and under https://www.dat.de/co2/.

² The stated values are based on the mandatory WLTP measurement procedure. The real life values depend on various factors, e.g. cargo weight, driving style, route, weather conditions, auxiliary electrical consumption (including air conditioning), tires, battery state of health.