The benefits of electric drive.
The battery-powered electric motor delivers powerful acceleration.
Unlike traditional combustion engines, electric motors transfer energy directly to the wheels from the motor, delivering power with less 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.
Regenerative braking charges the battery.
Cars with an electric motor have a regenerative braking system. Electric motors transfer energy from the battery to power the wheels, and when braking this energy is transferred back to the battery. 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.
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.
The electric car battery is equally as valuable and important as an engine in a combustion car. Amongst 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 a cautious driving style.
Recommendations to optimise the service life of your electric car battery.
Gentle, slow charging.
Prefer to charge electric car batteries more slowly at wallboxes, AC or DC charging stations with a maximum of 100 kW. It is best to keep High-Power-Charging (HPC) at quick charging stations for longer journeys.
Plug-in only if required.
Only charge when you need to – and not after every journey. When parking your car, low to medium states of charge are better for the service life of the electric car battery.
Charge to 100% for long journeys.
A state of charge of between 10% and 80% for everyday driving is recommended for your electric car battery. Only charge to 100% for longer journeys, preferably just before you set off.
Set a charging target for everyday driving.
Ideally avoid full charges in everyday driving. BMW recommends a charging target of at most 80%.
Avoid empty batteries.
Charge your battery before its state of charge falls below 10%. Ideally maintain the state of charge within the recommended range of 10% to 80%.
Moderate driving styles go easy on the battery.
Accelerate moderately and drive in an anticipatory manner at a steady speed to look after your electric car battery. That also means fewer visits to charging stations.
Keep consumption low.
Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or roof boxes. This will reduce your energy consumption and ease pressure on the electric car battery.
Moderate temperatures are ideal.
Preferably park your electric car in the shade or in a garage in hot weather. Especially if you plan to park it for a long period of time.
Moderate battery charge state over long stationary periods.
An electric car battery discharges energy very slowly when it is parked. Therefore, it's not advisable to connect your car to a charging post before longer stationary periods, for example when you’re going on holiday. The ideal state of charge for the battery is 30-50%.
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 still subject to physically induced ageing. To avoid time-related aging of the battery, it is best to avoid consistently high states of charge and high battery temperatures when the vehicle is parked. To avoid cyclic aging (aging due to high numbers of charging and discharging cycles), it is best to adopt 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 aging process of its electric car battery since launch in 2013. Even prior to the launch of the i3 during its development, we analysed the aging 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.
Batteries.
All battery producers in the UK must be registered with the Environment Agency as part of an EU-wide initiative to increase battery collected and recycling, and reduce the risk of releasing hazardous substances into the environment. BMW Group UK Ltd is registered as a producer of batteries under registration number BPRN00557.
Under the 2009 Waste Batteries and Accumulators regulation, BMW vehicle owners can dispose of their waste automotive, portable and industrial batteries (from electric/hybrid vehicles free of charge).
Vehicle batteries.
To replace the battery of your vehicle, it can be returned to your BMW Retail Centre where a new battery is installed. The old battery will be recycled in accordance with regulations. Alternatively, it can be delivered to one of the following facilities or recycling, in accordance with their policy:
- Civic Amenity and Recycling Centres
- Local Authority Battery Collection Scheme
- Licensed End of Life Vehicle Authorised Treatment Facilities
- Licenses metal Recycling Sites
To find your nearest recycling facility visit www.recycle-more.co.uk
Any battery removal, storage and transportation must be managed by a qualified expert.
Electric or PHEV vehicle batteries.
From 1 January 2010, businesses that place hybrid/PHEV vehicle batteries onto the UK market have an obligation to arrange for the treatment and recycling of these batteries. If you need advice on how to action this, please contact your local BMW Centre.
Any battery removal, storage and transportation must be managed by a qualified expert.
Portable batteries.
BMW Group UK Ltd is a member of ERP UK Limited producer compliance scheme to ensure that the recycling targets of portable batteries are met. You are able to recycle your portable batteries at your nearest collection facility.
To find your nearest portable battery disposal facility please visit https://www.recyclenow.com/what-to-do-with/batteries. To find out more about the benefits of battery recycling, please visit https://erp-recycling.org/uk/.
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 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 offers a unique electric driving experience, whilst still feeling like a BMW. When you step on the pedal, the car accelerates immediately, powerfully and with excellent modulation, with a precise pedal feel when braking. BMW electric cars also have a low centre of gravity due to the battery being located in the underbody, allowing for impressive 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.
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BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport
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From £60,965
Illustrations show optional equipment at an additional cost. The prices given are non-binding, non-cartelized recommendations from the manufacturer including VAT and standard consumption tax (NOVA) based on the base model without optional equipment, excluding transfer costs. Errors and omissions excepted. Binding price information can be obtained from your BMW partner.
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Electric Range (WLTP)[1] [2]
333–370 miles
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DC charging time (10-80% state of charge)[3]
0:30 h
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BMW i4 M60 xDrive
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From £71,000
Illustrations show optional equipment at an additional cost. The prices given are non-binding, non-cartelized recommendations from the manufacturer including VAT and standard consumption tax (NOVA) based on the base model without optional equipment, excluding transfer costs. Errors and omissions excepted. Binding price information can be obtained from your BMW partner.
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Electric Range (WLTP)[1] [2]
311–338 miles
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DC charging time (10-80% state of charge)[3]
0:30 h
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BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Saloon
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From £74,205
Illustrations show optional equipment at an additional cost. The prices given are non-binding, non-cartelized recommendations from the manufacturer including VAT and standard consumption tax (NOVA) based on the base model without optional equipment, excluding transfer costs. Errors and omissions excepted. Binding price information can be obtained from your BMW partner.
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Electric Range (WLTP)[1] [2]
321–384 miles
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DC charging time (10-80% state of charge)[3]
0:30 h
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BMW i5 M60 xDrive Saloon
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From £97,845
Illustrations show optional equipment at an additional cost. The prices given are non-binding, non-cartelized recommendations from the manufacturer including VAT and standard consumption tax (NOVA) based on the base model without optional equipment, excluding transfer costs. Errors and omissions excepted. Binding price information can be obtained from your BMW partner.
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Electric Range (WLTP)[1] [2]
295–331 miles
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DC charging time (10-80% state of charge)[3]
0:30 h
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BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Touring
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From £76,455
Illustrations show optional equipment at an additional cost. The prices given are non-binding, non-cartelized recommendations from the manufacturer including VAT and standard consumption tax (NOVA) based on the base model without optional equipment, excluding transfer costs. Errors and omissions excepted. Binding price information can be obtained from your BMW partner.
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Electric Range (WLTP)[1] [2]
310–370 miles
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DC charging time (10-80% state of charge)[3]
0:30 h
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BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring
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From £100,095
Illustrations show optional equipment at an additional cost. The prices given are non-binding, non-cartelized recommendations from the manufacturer including VAT and standard consumption tax (NOVA) based on the base model without optional equipment, excluding transfer costs. Errors and omissions excepted. Binding price information can be obtained from your BMW partner.
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Electric Range (WLTP)[1] [2]
285–321 miles
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DC charging time (10-80% state of charge)[3]
0:30 h
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BMW i7 xDrive60 Excellence
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From £115,835
Illustrations show optional equipment at an additional cost. The prices given are non-binding, non-cartelized recommendations from the manufacturer including VAT and standard consumption tax (NOVA) based on the base model without optional equipment, excluding transfer costs. Errors and omissions excepted. Binding price information can be obtained from your BMW partner.
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Electric Range (WLTP)[1] [2]
366–387 miles
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DC charging time (10-80% state of charge)[3]
0:34 h
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BMW i7 M70 xDrive
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From £164,420
Illustrations show optional equipment at an additional cost. The prices given are non-binding, non-cartelized recommendations from the manufacturer including VAT and standard consumption tax (NOVA) based on the base model without optional equipment, excluding transfer costs. Errors and omissions excepted. Binding price information can be obtained from your BMW partner.
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Electric Range (WLTP)[1] [2]
334–343 miles
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DC charging time (10-80% state of charge)[3]
0:34 h
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BMW iX1 eDrive20 Sport
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From £43,305
Illustrations show optional equipment at an additional cost. The prices given are non-binding, non-cartelized recommendations from the manufacturer including VAT and standard consumption tax (NOVA) based on the base model without optional equipment, excluding transfer costs. Errors and omissions excepted. Binding price information can be obtained from your BMW partner.
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Electric Range (WLTP)[1] [2]
275–293 miles
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DC charging time (10-80% state of charge)[3]
0:29 h
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BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport
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From £53,375
Illustrations show optional equipment at an additional cost. The prices given are non-binding, non-cartelized recommendations from the manufacturer including VAT and standard consumption tax (NOVA) based on the base model without optional equipment, excluding transfer costs. Errors and omissions excepted. Binding price information can be obtained from your BMW partner.
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Electric Range (WLTP)[1] [2]
259 - 266 miles
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DC charging time (10-80% state of charge)[3]
0:29 h
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BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport
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From £93,205
Illustrations show optional equipment at an additional cost. The prices given are non-binding, non-cartelized recommendations from the manufacturer including VAT and standard consumption tax (NOVA) based on the base model without optional equipment, excluding transfer costs. Errors and omissions excepted. Binding price information can be obtained from your BMW partner.
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Electric Range (WLTP)[1] [2]
370–426 miles
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DC charging time (10-80% state of charge)[3]
0:35 h
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BMW iX M70 xDrive
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From £114,305
Illustrations show optional equipment at an additional cost. The prices given are non-binding, non-cartelized recommendations from the manufacturer including VAT and standard consumption tax (NOVA) based on the base model without optional equipment, excluding transfer costs. Errors and omissions excepted. Binding price information can be obtained from your BMW partner.
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Electric Range (WLTP)[1] [2]
321–365 miles
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DC charging time (10-80% state of charge)[3]
0:35 h
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[1] These figures were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. There is a new test for fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures. The electric range shown was achieved using the new test procedure. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.
[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.
[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.
Questions and answers about batteries and electric motors.
More information.
Electric range.
Get to far-flung destinations with ease with the range of our electric cars. The route planner will show you where you can charge your car while on the road.
Charging at home.
Charge your electric car or plug-in hybrid vehicle overnight or between trips. Start your day ready to go and conveniently adapt the charging of your electric BMW to your everyday life.
Important information and disclaimers.
[1] These figures were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. There is a new test for fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures. The electric range shown was achieved using the new test procedure. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.
[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.
[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.