BMW i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupé: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 18.6; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 491
BMW i5 M60 xDrive Sedan: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 20.5; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 457–458
BMW i3[1]: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km: 16,6–15,3; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 278–307
What makes an electric car special.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 separately excited synchronous motors, so-called SSMs.
Benefits of separately excited synchronous motors (SSM).
A core competence at BMW is its widespread use of SSMs. These motors are distinguished by dispensing with the use of “rare earth elements” in the rotor. Compared to other types of motor, SSMs feature efficient power characteristics and also accelerate well at high speed. This is useful when overtaking on the motorway. SSMs 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 permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM).
A PSM 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 SSM in that it generates the magnetic field in the rotor differently, by producing it by permanent magnets. A PSM 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.
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.
Electric car price comparison.
BMW i5 eDrive40 Touring: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 19.3–19.2; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 483–484
BMW i5 eDrive40 Sedan: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 18.9–18.8; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 498–499
BMW i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupé: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 18.6; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 491
BMW i7 xDrive60 Sedan: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 20.3–19.6; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 572–589
BMW i4 M50 xDrive Gran Coupé: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 21.9; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 416
BMW i5 M60 xDrive Sedan: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 20.5; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 457–458
BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 20.8; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 445–446
BMW i7 M70 xDrive Sedan: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 23.7; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 490
BMW iX2 xDrive30: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 17.7 - 17.6; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 417 - 421
BMW iX xDrive40: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 21.4 - 19.4; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 403–404
BMW iX1 eDrive20: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 17.2–16.7; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 430–443
BMW iX3: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 18; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 461
BMW i3[1]: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km: 16,6–15,3; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 278–307
BMW iX M60: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 24.7 - 22; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 500 - 563
Questions and answers about batteries and electric motors.
More information.
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.
At home or on the go.
Charging is very simple. Conveniently at home from your own power supply or flexibly on the go, for instance at fast-charging stations. The charging network continues to grow and there are more and more new solutions for charging at home as well.
Consumption and CO2 emissions.
BMW i5 eDrive40 Touring: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 19.3–19.2; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 483–484
BMW i5 eDrive40 Sedan: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 18.9–18.8; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 498–499
BMW i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupé: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 18.6; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 491
BMW i7 xDrive60 Sedan: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 20.3–19.6; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 572–589
BMW i4 M50 xDrive Gran Coupé: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 21.9; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 416
BMW i5 M60 xDrive Sedan: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 20.5; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 457–458
BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 20.8; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 445–446
BMW i7 M70 xDrive Sedan: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 23.7; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 490
BMW iX2 xDrive30: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 17.7 - 17.6; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 417 - 421
BMW iX xDrive40: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 21.4 - 19.4; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 403–404
BMW iX1 eDrive20: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 17.2–16.7; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 430–443
BMW iX3: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 18; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 461
BMW i3[1]: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km: 16,6–15,3; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 278–307
BMW iX M60: Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km[1]: 24.7 - 22; Electric range, WLTP in km[2]: 500 - 563
[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] Range depends on various factors, in particular: individual driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, heating/air conditioning, pre-conditioning.
[3] The charging performance depends on the state of charge, ambient temperature, individual driving profile and use of auxiliary consumers. The ranges shown are based on the WLTP best case. The charging times apply to ambient temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius after a preceding drive and may differ depending on the usage behaviour.