BMW encourages drivers to embrace electric with new model

Mileage anxiety is reportedly a major obstacle preventing people from buying electric or plug-in hybrid cars, but the real issue might be people's reluctance to change their habits.

BMW said the argument is becoming more convincing in China now that it has launched its 530 Le, which helps people embrace luxury, energy saving and environmental protection as long as they are open to the idea.

The model, based on the BMW 5 Series Li, is locally produced in BMW Brilliance's plant in Shenyang. According to the company, the model is the first plug-in hybrid premium business sedan in the country.

The 530 Le is equipped with a four-cylinder Twin Power Turbo engine, an electric motor and 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The car takes 7.1 seconds to get from zero to 100 km/h.

BMW said what makes the model stand out is its electric motor and energy management system.

The motor is integrated with the gearbox, which ensures a smooth performance both in pure electric and hybrid driving mode.

In pure electric driving mode, the maximum mileage of the plug-in hybrid car is 58 km and the top speed can reach 120 km/h, which meets the needs of city commuters, according to the automaker.

The energy management system can automatically switch motors as it can work out the most efficient driving mode by examining the driver's behavior - whether he or she wants to accelerate and overtake other cars or simply cruise to save energy.

The system offers two choices: AUTO eDrive and MAX eDrive.

When the driver chooses the first mode, the car is under hybrid mode with work shared between the engine and electric motor, which is good for driving on expressways.

The driver can press a button to select the MAX eDrive mode, which means the car will be under pure electric drive, suited to driving in traffic heavy urban areas.

BMW's eDrive technology is specifically designed for new-energy vehicles.

Its electric driving mode can achieve zero emissions and its internal combustion gas engine allows for long distance driving.

The know-how comes from the BMW i family, which is the world's first premium new-energy vehicle brand.

BMW believes that the plug-in hybrid cars with eDrive technology are the most pragmatic solution to environment-friendly mobility.

In terms of fuel efficiency and emissions, the BMW 530 Le model boasts the lowest fuel consumption in the premium business sedan segment, according to the automaker.

Fuel consumption can be as low as 2 liters per 100 km depending on driving conditions, according to the company.

The plug-in hybrid car will reach more cities by the end of this year, according to the company.

BMW will offer and install a power box free of charge for 530 Le owners, which can charge the car by 80 percent in about three hours.

The model allows car owners to set a charging time, helping slash electricity bills and costs, as in China, power use during the night or early in the morning is about half the cost as during the day.

In addition to the power box, BMW also provides a cable that can be plugged into household sockets. Although it takes more time, it provides a solution in times of emergency.

BMW is trying to build more public charging stations in major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing and Shenyang, through which people can charge their 530 Le free of charge.

The model's eligibility for government subsidies cuts the cost for potential owners.

The model is exempt from purchase tax and enjoys local government subsidies for new-energy vehicles in several cities including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Wuhan, Chongqing and Hangzhou.

BMW 530 Le owners can apply for license plates for new-energy vehicles in the cities of Shanghai and Shenzhen, and they are much easier to obtain than gasoline-powered vehicles in those cities.

The BMW 530 Le also has a longer warranty than gasoline-powered models, according to BMW Brilliance.

The automaker said the battery is under warranty for six years or 100,000 km and the electric motor for five years or 100,000 km.

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 09/07/2015 page18)