Fully electric BMW iX3 added to Crash Recovery System
BMW has just started production of the all-electric iX3. The first car rolled off the production line at the BMW Brilliance Automotive factory in Shenyang, China. The iX3 is only the second all-electric car of the company and the first model made in China for export to key world markets. And the good news is: we already have the complete model covered in the December update of our Crash Recovery System!
The iX3 utilises the fifth-generation e-drive. The electric motor mounted in the rear generates 210 kW/286 hp and offers the maximum torque of 400 Nm over a wide range. BMW specified acceleration to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and limited the top speed to 180 km/h. The battery with a gross energy content of 80 kWh (74 kWh net) claims a range of up to 460 km in WLTP. The iX3 will become the brand’s first model available both with conventional petrol and diesel engines as well as plug-in hybrid (48 Volt mild hybrid) and all-electric drive. A lot of different drive systems and components so good information in case of an accident is vital for first responders.
This electric ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ (SAV) is the trailblazer for BMW e-drive technology of the fifth generation, which, starting 2021, will also be deployed in the BMW i4 and the BMW iNEXT. For this purpose, both the drive system and the high-voltage battery unit featuring pioneering battery cell technology have been completely redeveloped. The e-drive technology comprises a drive unit in which electric motor, system electronics and transmission are brought together into a central housing (see picture in the photo gallery). As a result, the required installation space of the drive technology and its weight are considerably reduced. The ratio between motor output and weight of the drive system improves around 30 percent compared to the previous generation.
High voltage battery-unit
The high-voltage battery unit of the BMW iX3 is integral part of the e-drive system and is based on the latest evolution in NMC-811 technology in BMW typical prismatic design. In addition, scalability and the compact design of the high-voltage battery unit have been further optimised. The battery cells are grouped into modules at specialised production locations and finally assembled as high-voltage battery packs aligned to each model. The high-voltage battery unit in the BMW iX3 is installed in an extremely flat position in the vehicle floor, as can be seen in the photo gallery below. Thanks to this arrangement, there is no loss of space for passengers and the luggage compartment compared to the conventionally powered versions of the BMW iX3.
Furthermore the high-voltage battery featured in the iX3 is planned for a second life as a stationary battery pack for the period following the first long life in the car. This way the already positive CO2 balance of the car can be further improved.
Reduction of CO2 footprint
With the new iX3, BMW is adding another fully-electric vehicle to its portfolio that will not only tap into new customer groups, but also arrives on the market at a time when demand for electric vehicles is expanding significantly. BMW is strongly committed to climate protection. They have reduced the CO2 footprint of their vehicle fleet. In 2020 alone, the footprint was cut by more than twenty percent. That was achieved by offering a wider range of electric models, and also by increasing the efficiency of the conventional engine range. Next year, 25 percent of the fleet will be electrified. In 2025, they will reach 33 percent. And in 2030, 50 percent of the sales will be electrified.
All information about this BMW iX3 will of course be available in the december update of the Crash Recovery System.
Crash Recovery System – Know what’s inside, see what to do!
