A monk. With the introduction of the fourth generation of BMW plug-in hybrids, new features will soon be available that will allow you to maximize the distance driven on electric power. In this way, the BMW Group combines expertise in the field of eDrive technology and digitalization to promote emission-free and noise-free driving in cities. Presented for the first time at #NEXTGen – the new communication format of the BMW Group – the latest innovations enable drivers of BMW plug-in hybrid models to actively contribute to improving the quality of life in urban environments. Users also benefit from attractive incentives and can have fun competing with other users.
eDrive zones allow emission-free access to ecological zones.
The new philosophy that cities are designed around citizens and not traffic is helping to improve the quality of urban life, with a significant increase in access restrictions for vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. In light of this change, the BMW Group continues to strengthen its operational strategy for plug-in hybrid models. If cities define eco-zones accessible only to zero-emission vehicles, they can be automatically identified in the future using geolocation technology. When entering the affected area, the vehicle will automatically switch to electric-only mode. This means that maximum utilization of the potential offered by plug-in hybrids is guaranteed. This new deployment strategy includes a significant increase in the emissions potential of integrated vehicles. Increasing the distance traveled in electric mode not only helps to maximize efficiency, but also reduces operating costs for the customer.
This is especially true in city traffic, where electric power consistently achieves greater efficiency than a gasoline or diesel engine. The BMW eDrive Zones function will be standard equipment in BMW plug-in hybrids from 2020.
Collect and redeem electricity bonus points with BMW points.
Complementing the BMW eDrive Zone function, the BMW Group continues to promote electric driving among its plug-in hybrid customers with a new digital service called BMW Points. The BMW Points app offers a fun incentive for PHEV customers to get the most out of their electric vehicle. The kilometers driven with electric power are actually rewarded with points. High voltage battery charging is also rewarded as part of the BMW points system. In this way, customers are encouraged to choose the electric drive as often as possible, not only based on environmental awareness, but also by taking advantage of the spirit of competition. By collecting a sufficient number of points, participants can gain access to attractive rewards such as free credit on Charge Now and, in the medium term, also on Share Now, Park Now and for services available in the Connected Drive Store. The BMW Points digital service will be available for BMW plug-in hybrids with eDrive Zone technology through the BMW Connected Drive Store from 2020.
Insights into the eDrive zone and BMW points from the Rotterdam pilot project.
The first test after the brainstorming for the new BMW eDrive Zones function and the BMW Points digital service was the “Electric City Drive” pilot project carried out by the BMW Group in collaboration with the city of Rotterdam and the local Erasmus University.
In 2018, research was conducted to investigate the existence of methods to encourage plug-in hybrid electric driving by defining inner urban areas and offering an app that encourages regular charging in a fun way. The goal was to get users to use the electrification offered by their vehicles more often. About 50 volunteer plug-in hybrid drivers from the Rotterdam area were equipped with an app that was specially developed for this purpose. Once installed on your smartphone and connected to your vehicle, the app sent a notification to your vehicle’s screen when entering a defined eDrive zone in the center of Rotterdam – along with a request to select a drive mode for your fully electric plug-in vehicle. During a period of three months, research was carried out on the extent to which participants in the project chose electric driving following the receipt of such messages.
A beta version of the BMW Points app also allowed users to track progress against other participants, compete against each other and collect points. The experiment revealed that PHEV drivers covered 90 percent of all routes within the Rotterdam eDrive area in electric mode when the app was connected to the vehicle. It was the technology used in the pilot project that inspired the further development of the BMW eDrive Zone and BMW Points. The two innovations will soon be introduced in the production of BMW cars.
BMW plug-in hybrids have long offered significant advantages over those with conventional engines:
-
- Better quality of life: Manually activating electric drive mode helps users reduce emissions and noise pollution from urban traffic.
-
- Savings: Electric driving in the city costs less than petrol or diesel driving if the vehicle is charged at home or at work.
-
- Perfect temperature on board: heating and air conditioning when the car is stationary are standard equipment.
-
- Braking charges the battery: in conventional cars it simply generates heat and wears out the brakes.
-
- The best of both worlds: Plug-hybrid cars offer electric driving pleasure in the city and classic BMW driving pleasure over long distances.
-
- Future-proof: Because plug-in hybrids can operate without emissions, they allow access to many eco-zones and offer parking privileges and toll savings.
For more information:
Marco DiGregorio
Corporate communications manager
Phone: 02/51610.088
Email: marco.di-gregorio@bmw.it
Media website: http://www.press.bmwgroup.com (press releases and photos) and http://bmw.lulop.com (films)
BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of premium cars and motorcycles and also offers premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly plants in 15 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2018, the BMW Group sold over 2,490,000 cars and over 165,000 motorcycles worldwide. Profit before tax in the 2018 financial year was 9.815 billion euros with revenues of 97.480 billion euros. On December 31, 2018, the BMW Group had 134,682 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on a long-term vision and responsible actions. Therefore, the company has established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, global product responsibility and a clear commitment to resource conservation as an integral part of its strategy.
BMW Group Italia has been present in our country for over 50 years and today boasts 5 companies employing over 1,100 colleagues. The Italian branch is one of the six main markets worldwide for the sale of BMW Group cars and motorcycles.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupView
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup