BMW has launched its 3 Series plug-in hybrid prototype, matching a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a powertrain that could challenge other plug-ins and eventually hydrogen vehicles like the Toyota Mirai.
The new plug-in hybrid offering will be manufactured at BMW's plant in Dingolfing, Germany, and incorporates technology that the automaker says can be used in a range of different vehicles, Edmunds.com reported. It is expected to have a driving range of 62 miles on a single battery charge.
"The electric motor and power electronics are directly based on the BMW eDrive technology already used in the BMW i3 and BMW i8 models," BMW said in a statement. "The prototype's lithium-ion battery, including the battery management system and the high-efficiency direct cooling system are likewise based on BMW i experience and know-how."
The plug-in, which doesn't yet have a launch date or official specifications, will be looking to compete with the Chevrolet Volt, Cadillac ELR, Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid and Ford Fusion Energi.
BMW has big plans for the plug-in prototype's technology, which has potential to be used in a hydrogen fuel-cell EV to rival the Toyota Mirai.
"The plug-in hybrid technology is so flexible that it can be integrated in a wide variety of vehicle concepts," BMW said. "It will therefore be possible to deploy it rapidly across the BMW model range."
For the long-term future, BMW aims "to offer plug-in hybrid versions of all its core-brand models," the automaker said.
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