Car manufacturers are becoming increasingly conscious of their contribution towards preserving the environment, while maximising the level of comfort that they can provide their customers. In line with this, BMW has revealed an advanced new plug-in hybrid system called Power eDrive.
The new hybrid powertrain aims to provide the similar, smooth yet urgent performance qualities delivered by contemporary battery-powered electric drive systems, such as the one offered on the Tesla Model S. It in fact, forms a part of an extended range of modular hybrid powertrains being developed in a performance-based Efficient Dynamics engineering program at the R&D center in Munich.
BMW revealed its most powerful powertrain on a 5-series GT prototype, with a 228 bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine, in combination with two electric motors. These motors are a modified version of the unit used on the BMW i3. A 201 bhp motor is mounted up front in the space usually taken up by the torque converter in the car's eight-speed automatic transmission, while another, developing 268 bhp, is mounted within the rear axle assembly. In total, the system is claimed to produce over 670 bhp, along with a torque loading beyond 103.6 kgm.
“The electric motors provide approximately two-thirds of the combined output, with the combustion engine accounting for the remaining third,” said Franz Drescher-Kaden, BMW concept engineer for the new petrol-electric hybrid set-up.
To drive the motors, 20 kWh Lithium-ion battery packs are installed longitudinally at rear of the car's centre tunnel, and horizontally underneath the rear seat. The batteries can be charged via a wall socket, or on the run with the power produced from the combustion engine.
Transmitting power to the final drive is an eight-speed automatic gearbox; drive is nominally channelled to the rear wheels via the rear electric motor and the front electric motor. This operates through the eight-speed automatic in which it is housed, providing for an all-electric four-wheel drive. This is further enhanced by the combustion engine, which delivers its power to the front wheels.
The addition of the electric motors and the Li-ion battery pack has contributed to a significant increase in the overall weight of the car, however, BMW has held back the weight of the hybrid system itself. The company does claim though, that the car outperforms the 2070kg, 444bhp, twin-turbocharged, 4.4-litre, V8 550i GT in a straight line.
The Power eDrive is being developed as a scalable system with claimed power outputs ranging from 250 bhp to over 650 bhp. BMW says, the plug-in hybrid technology will be “a natural choice for use in upmarket vehicle segments". BMW has also indicated that Power eDrive could be offered alongside traditional petrol and diesel engine options in its upcoming X7 – a new range-topping SUV due for launch in 2017, as well as the next-generation 7-series, X5 and X6.
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