PLUG-IN HYBRIDS.

A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) has a combustion engine and an electric motor. Both are able to propel the vehicle independently. A plug-in hybrid obtains its energy firstly by charging the battery from a socket or at a charging station. Secondly through recuperation. The hybrid drive automatically employs the optimum drive system in every motoring situation. For instance, the vehicle may be travelling purely electrically on certain routes or can – such as when overtaking for example – call on additional power dynamically.

Hybrid vehicles combine a conventional petrol engine with an electric drive. Intelligent interplay between the two enables a remarkable saving in fuel to be achieved, significantly lowers exhaust emissions and provides an exceptional driving sensation. On journeys up to approx. 50 km/h, the hybrid generally runs purely electrically provided it makes sense, such as in urban areas for example. For maximum efficiency in different driving situations, such as fast journeys or rapid acceleration, it uses the combined power of electric motor and combustion engine.

The electric range of a plug-in hybrid car depends on the size of the battery. In the case of BMW, the maximum electric range is between 50 and 85 kilometres, depending on the model. The overall range through the combination with the combustion engine is of course significantly higher.

Yes, it can. You can also charge a plug-in hybrid from a charging station or a Wallbox. However, the different charging stations do need different cables or types of plug. For conventional sockets, the standard charging cable is included in the supply schedule. The BMW Wallbox is equipped with its own cable. For public charging stations, you need what is known as a “public AC charging cable” with the “Type 2” plug on both ends. Currently, though, there is one exception for high-power charging (HPC) stations, such as those of IONITY: at present these stations are only compatible with what are known as CCS plugs, which may, however, apply to plug-in hybrids in the future. In addition, a plug-in hybrid can also obtain part of its charge via recuperation.  

Yes, it can. The plug-in hybrid can regain part of its energy when braking (recuperation). In addition, charging can also take place during the journey with the function known as Battery Control Mode. This mode maintains the charge of the high-voltage battery constantly at the desired level or increases it to the preset value, by having the electric motor function as a generator. In this way, for example, it is possible to use Battery Control Mode during a motorway journey to protect or even increase the power reserves so that a subsequent urban route can be covered without any local emissions.

Can I supply my vehicle with electricity during the day and will my BMW be charged in time before I have to leave? With the Digital Charging Service questions like this will no longer be necessary. This is because the intelligent charging assistant takes care of topping up the battery at the charging station in your home or from the socket, fully automatically, efficiently and, above all, in an environmentally friendly way. Enter your electricity tariff, your planned departure time and your preferred charging mode (Intelligent Charging or Instant Charging) in the BMW Connected App. Using this information, the Digital Charging Service will ensure that your BMW is supplied with electricity during the most economical tariff periods and is charged in time for your departure. This means that only power not needed your own home at the particular time will be used.*

*Only possible in conjunction with the BMW Wallbox.

Do you have enough charge for a journey into town and are there any charging points there? With eDrive Remote Services, conveniently find the answers to such questions using the BMW Connected app on your smartphone. You can also control the temperature, lock your car or activate the headlight flash from a distance, to find it in a parking lot for example.