BMW PLUG-IN HYBRIDS.

A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) combines a petrol engine, an electric engine and a high-voltage battery – and thus offers the best of two worlds. This allows a reduction in fuel consumption as well as CO2 emissions. Interaction between the two systems also offers additional performance and acceleration power.

As its name suggests, a plug-in hybrid can be charged from a socket, a wallbox or at a public charging station. The maximum efficiency of a plug-in hybrid is achieved with a fully charged battery; which means that a charging facility should be available at home and at the workplace.

As is the case with all vehicles that have a high-voltage battery, technological advances will also see the electric range increase further in the coming years. During recuperation, that means whenever you lift your foot from the accelerator pedal, kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and fed into the battery – and as a result you gain further kilometres for the electric range.

As part of its “Power of Choice” strategy, BMW is offering its customers a large selection of plug-in hybrids as a conscious decision in favour of this particularly efficient drive system.

A plug-in hybrid is ideal for drivers seeking the greatest possible versatility: on the one hand, it provides an electric drive for everyday use, such as the cost-optimised and sustainable commute to the office. Optimum use comes with regularly recurring medium-distance commutes, in which the electrically driven kilometres predominate. On the other hand, the vehicles offer maximum range and flexibility for long distances such as for the weekend excursion with the family.

Among the benefits for the driver of a plug-in hybrid are an almost silent driving experience in purely electric mode and additional acceleration power from the electric engine.

there is no need at all to sacrifice the convenience of the latter’s range with a plug-in hybrid. If the battery charge or capacity is insufficient, the combustion engine is switched on automatically to meet the need.

There are also country-specific financial benefits for this category of vehicle: directly through subsidies for electric vehicles and indirectly through favourable taxes thanks to the lower CO2 emissions.

As its name suggests, a plug-in hybrid can be charged from a socket, a Wallbox or at a public charging station. When you are on the road, you need the charging cable for public charging (mode 3), The maximum efficiency of a plug-in hybrid is achieved with a fully charged battery; which means that a charging facility should be available at home and at the workplace. Charge your BMW plug-in hybrid as often as possible so that you can always make full use of the additional electric drive.

One important external factor influencing the performance and capacity of a battery is the temperature. As you probably know from your mobile phone battery, the performance is restricted in cold and hot temperatures. This is why it is important, especially in winter, to “precondition” the vehicle during the charging operation – in other words, to heat the battery and interior. Or to cool them down in summer. This not only saves you energy for the journey but means that, with an optimally temperature-conditioned battery, you have an added measure of efficiency from the outset. Optimised operating strategies in your vehicle also minimise the influences of temperature to a large extent. And did you know that the capacity of the battery also yields information on your available range? Apart from temperature, other factors affecting the range are devices, such as the air conditioning, the load carried and your driving style.

If you don’t plan to use your vehicle for a longer period of time, such as during a holiday, there are various ways to positively effect the lifespan of your battery. Whenever possible, maintain a charge of between 30 and 50 per cent and park your vehicle in a cool place or in the shade during summer months and keep it in a garage in the winter. In addition, the vehicle should not be plugged in for charging if you leave it parked for a long period of time.