Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The All-Electric BMW iX1 SUV
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG), is a leading global automotive manufacturer headquartered in Munich, Germany. BMW is well known for its portfolio of luxury vehicles, to include the famed Rolls-Royce luxury cars. The group manufacturers a number of cars under its BMW brand, to include battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The BMW i3 EV is an excellent example of a successful pure electric car. The company currently has the following portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs):
- The all-electric BMW iX1
- The all-electric BMW iX2
- The all-electric BMW iX3
- The all-electric BMW iX
- The all-electric BMW i3
- The all-electric BMW i4
- The all-electric BMW i5
- The all-electric BMW i7
The BMW iX1 is the latest electric vehicle (EV) to join the portfolio of pure electric SUVs offered by BMW. Like the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) X1, the iX1 offers a more affordable entry into the world of BMW premium SUVs.
So far, the technical information released by the automotive manufacturer is limited, but we expect more information to become available closer to the time of sale. The EV offers all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, with dual motors, one motor at the front axle and the other at the rear.
The BMW iX1 family SUV is available in one EV battery size: 64.7 kWh (usable capacity), with a claimed pure electric range up to 440 km. The EV battery size and zero-emission electric range is similar to many of the more recent introductions of pure electric cars i.e. there is a trend of increasing EV battery size and longer zero-emission electric range.
Of course, the real-world EV range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include: speed, driving profile, regen braking profile, weather conditions, road conditions, tyre size, onboard services used, payload and more. Expect a real-world electric range closer to 375 km. Useful for both short city commutes and longer motorway journeys!
As is the case with electric cars, the BMW iX1 has an onboard recuperation system that converts the kinetic energy during braking into electricity, further enhancing the efficiency of the electric vehicle and e-range. This is also known as regenerative braking. It does take some getting used to, but not long!
We at e-zoomed recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to charging an electric car. This way, there is always range readily available and moreover, a topping up approach reduces the amount of time required to charge. Regular charging is also beneficial for the long-term maintenance of the EV battery. BMW offers a 8 years or 160,000 km, which is fast becoming the industry standard for EVs.
The electric vehicle (EV) can be DC charged up to 130 kW and can achieve a 0%-80% in 29 minutes. The e-SUV incorporate a 11 kW (3-phase) onboard charger, which can fully charge the EV in 5 hours. There is also an option to upgrade to a 22 kW (3-phase) onboard charger.
However, given that most homes in Ireland are restricted to single-phase power supply, it would not be necessary to upgrade to 22 kW. BMW has yet to give details for single-phase charging, but of course it will take longer compared to 3-phase EV charging.
The BMW iX1 electric SUV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. The vehicle delivers a maximum power up to 313 hp and 494 Nm torque. The top speed of the e-SUV is 180 km/h. Like other pure electric cars, the BMW iX1 also benefits from instant torque.
The EV is suitable for both families and company-car drivers. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and for the wallet.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Decent pure electric range | Only available in one EV battery size |
DC charging up to 130 kW. Three-phase (11 kW) onboard charger as standard | Not built on a dedicated EV platform |
All-wheel drive (AWD) as standard | Cheaper alternatives available |
The All-Electric BMW iX1 SUV (credit: BMW)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | SUV |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In Ireland: | Yes |
Variants (2 Options) |
---|
BMW iX1 xLine (from € 65,395) |
BMW iX1 M Sport (from € 68,775) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 64.7 kWh |
Charging: | 130 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 29 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
---|---|
Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 1616 |
Width (mm): | 1845 |
Length (mm): | 4500 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2692 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.9 |
Boot Space (L): | 490 |
BMW iX1 | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 64.7 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 417 – 440 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 18.1 – 16.8 |
Charging: | 130 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 29 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 180 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 5.7 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 230 |
Max Power (hp): | 313 |
Torque (Nm): | 494 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Unladen Weight-EU (kg): | 2,085 |
Colours: | 11 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Longest Range Plug-In Hybrid Electric Cars: Top 5
The continued improvement in the development of electric cars is not limited to only pure electric cars, also known as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). In fact, we have also witnessed improvements for the latest-generation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In particular, increased range and lower emissions.
In the list below of longest-range PHEVs, all EVs have a claimed WLTP e-range over 100 km. Leading the pack is the Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid with an emission-free electric range up to 114 km. In regards to tailpipe emissions, Mercedes PHEVs top the list with tailpipe emissions as low as 13g (CO2/km), significantly lower compared to the conventional petrol or diesel variants!
Though historically, plug-in hybrids have played an important role in the migration from conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and diesel vehicles to all-electric cars, given the significant improvement in the e-range of pure electric cars, the role of PHEVs has reduced in importance. We can expect this trend to continue, as automotive manufacturers focus on developing and delivering pure electric cars. We at e-zoomed expect plug-in hybrid cars to become redundant in due course.
In general, we recommend buying a pure electric car, however, with those with very limited access to EV charging infrastructure and need to drive long distance on a regular basis, to consider a PHEV. Do keep in mind, for most families, day-to-day driving needs are limited to short journeys i.e. school runs, grocery store, gym, work, high street etc. Most of the latest-generation of pure electric cars can meet this need!
Brand/ Model | Battery Size (kWh) | Electric Range (WLTP) | Tailpipe Emissions (CO2/km) | Body Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mercedes-Benz C Class Plug-In Hybrid | 25.4 kWh | 104 km | 13g (CO2/km) | Estate |
Mercedes-Benz C Class Plug-In Hybrid | 25.4 kWh | 110 km | 13g (CO2/km) | Saloon |
Mercedes-Benz S Class Plug-In Hybrid | 28.6 kWh | 101 km | 19g (CO2/km) | Saloon |
Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid | 38.2 kWh | 114 km | 20 – 18g (CO2/km) | SUV |
Range Rover Plug-In Hybrid | 38.2 kWh | 112 km | 21 – 18g (CO2/km) | SUV |
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