Earlier this month, Volvo announced that its entire lineup will soon consist of either plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicles. As expected the Swedish carmaker was only one the purveyors of the clean energy source. Today, the BMW Group likewise revealed its own plans for an electrified future under its NUMBER One > NEXT strategy.
Beginning 2019, for instance, BMW’s MINI will be rolling out its 3-door MINI equipped with a battery-powered motor. This will expand the model’s powertrain lineup to include the conventional internal combustion gasoline and diesel engines, a plug-in hybrid, and the upcoming fully electric variant. At present, the company already produces the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4, a plug-in hybrid version of the Countryman crossover.
As for BMW itself, the German carmaker will put its electric offensive in full gear with the unveiling of the BMW i8 Roadster in 2018. The all-electric open-top sports car will join the current i family that consists of the i3 and i8, as well as plug-in hybrid versions of the 5 and 7 Series. These models will be followed by the all-electric X3 in 2020 and the futuristic iNEXT in 2021.
These nameplates and variants, BMW says, are only the beginning. It intends to field either a plug-in hybrid or fully electric versions of its entire product line. Yes, we could see an all-electric M5, for example. This, the company notes, will help it keep up with the projected 15-25% sales volume that will be made up of such vehicles by the year 2025. This figure, however, is naturally dependent on several factors, namely, regulations, incentives, and charging infrastructure in various markets. Our own market, for instance, is still awaiting the passage of the Alternative Fuels Law, which will give incentives to hybrids and electric vehicles.
But if all goes well, however, we could see a future with Sheer Electric Driving Pleasure.
