Mild Hybrid (X3 20i/ X3 20d/ X3 30d)
A Mild Hybrid car, sometimes called Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEV) has a petrol/diesel powered engine which is supported by an electric motor. If you are used to driving a petrol/diesel powered BMW, you won’t see much of a difference behind the wheel of a mild hybrid model. However, a MHEV does deliver a more economical performance.
A BMW fitted with Mild Hybrid Technology has both a petrol or diesel engine and a 48-volt battery, used as a generator instead of the more traditional starter motor. This doesn’t generate enough electricity to power the vehicle in isolation, but the battery will help to improve the fuel efficiency of the car – increasing MPG – and boosts performance and acceleration.
If you travel large distances daily on motorways and you want a fuel-efficient vehicle, then a mild hybrid option is your best bet. Both petrol and diesel engines come equipped with the mild hybrid technology.
Plug-in-Hybrid (X3 30e)
Plug in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) consist of 2 sources of power. First one being a conventional combustion engine and the second one is a battery pack connected to an electric motor. PHEVs typically have bigger batteries than hybrid cars which allows them to run on electric power alone for short distances.
Ranges are typically 25-30 miles on pure electric power. This means that you can complete short urban journeys without ever using a drop of fuel. The combustion engine kicks in when the battery runs out, or when extra power is needed while driving above the speeds of 60 miles per hour. This combination also reduces the emissions significantly which is an added advantage. On the combined cycle the X3 PHEV can manage a WLTP claimed 117 MPG (Miles per Gallon).
The X3 PHEV has a bigger 12KWh battery pack which needs to be charged using an outlet. You can charge it either with a conventional, household three-pin plug, a wall charger, or a public charging point. Using a 3kW household plug is the slowest option – a full charge is likely to take five to six hours. The other option is to install a wall box charger that can charge the batteries in an hour.
The X3 PHEV can be a great first step if you are not completely ready to jump into the world of pure electric vehicles. It has the potential to save a lot of money in fuel, reduce emissions and fit into your lifestyle as well. If majority of your commute is short urban journeys, then a PHEV might be best suited for you. The X3 30e is more expensive to buy, but it can offset the extra cost when you consider the savings in fuel costs.
Pure Electric (IX3)
All Electric vehicles also referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), have a large battery pack and an electric motor instead of a combustion engine. As there is no fuel being burnt, these cars might be a little bit different to drive. For starters, EVs are very silent and there are no gears. Electric motors create torque instantly, which makes the acceleration very brisk.
The batteries in an EV are made of Lithium-ion cells, which is the same kind you can find in your mobile phone or laptops. These batteries are connected to an electric motor via high voltage cables and when you step on the accelerator, the electricity flows from the batteries to the motor, making the wheels turn.
Modern EVs can travel significant distances on a single charge. The new BMW IX3 can travel up to a claimed 280 miles on a single charge. This translates to significant savings on fuel costs with the added advantage of zero emissions. EVs are also easier on the wallet when it comes to maintenance as there are fewer moving parts compared to a fuel powered car.
IX3 has a very large battery (80 KW) that can take a long time to charge using a normal 3 pin socket. Therefore, it is advisable to install a wall box charger that can charge your car overnight. Fast chargers and rapid chargers can charge your car from 0 to 80% in 45 minutes. All BMW electric vehicles can accept rapid charging with the IX3 even capable of charging up to 150kw.
With a growing network of fast chargers across the country, EVs are becoming suitable for any situation. The IX3 offers practicality and sporty handling you expect from the BMW X3 along with an environment friendly electric drivetrain.
