Recent announcements by BMW have set the German automaker apart from the competition in terms of green vehicle investment. BMW stated that it will invest up to $563 million over the next three years in a renovated facility for the Megacity EV. The automaker also announced that its global fleet will feature a plug-in hybrid sports car based on a prototype shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. These announcements should excite European industry observers over the prospects of green BMWs at both ends of the market.
The Megacity EV is slated for production by 2013 and will be aimed at urban drivers throughout Europe with limited commuting needs. BMW is hoping to increase initial production with $563 million in improvements and additions at the Megacity facility in Leipzig, Germany. This investment is part of a $746 million investment in Megacity production by BMW Group and the SGL Group. The sticker price of the Megacity EV is still to be determined though it will need to be reasonable enough for the intended market. BMW’s major investment in the Leipzig facility shows that this production EV will be integral to success in this burgeoning market.
BMW premiered its Vision EfficientDynamics concept vehicle during the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show to much acclaim. The automaker announced at the recent Leipzig Trade Fair that this prototype will be brought to life in the near future. This plug-in hybrid sports car will be powered by a lithium-polymer battery pack, two hybrid motors and a diesel engine. BMW has designed this vehicle with gull wing doors and a low profile to reduce wind resistance at high speeds. Performance metrics for this plug-in hybrid include a fuel economy rating of 62.6 MPG and a total range of 435 miles. This range includes an estimated 31 mile range using only electric power.
These green vehicle developments build on the buzz surrounding the MINI E trials running in New York, Los Angeles and the United Kingdom. BMW has been slowly releasing its hybrid and all-electric technologies into field tests in order to ensure vehicle quality. Green vehicle advocates have been frustrated by endless field tests, road trials and limited releases by automakers like BMW. This automaker is attempting to balance its established reputation with cutting-edge technology. BMW’s patience may be prudent but they may need to put the pedal to the floor as other automakers hit the market.
