BMW EfficientDynamics showcase at Pavilion, 20 – 24 Oct
BMW Group Malaysia has launched the BMW EfficientDynamics showcase at Pavilion, Bukit Bintang, featuring its 1 Series-based ActiveE concept car on display along with two vehicles from its Advanced Diesel fleet, the 320d and the X1 xDrive20d.
The showcase highlights the BMW Group’s efforts in spearheading the development of sustainable and eco-friendly technology, which has seen the Group top the Dow Jones Sustainability Index rankings amongst automotive companies for the past six years.
Over the past three years, BMW Group Malaysia has been actively introducing diesel-powered variants in its line-up. Currently, 15-20% of total BMW sales in Malaysia come from its diesel models. Modern diesel engines are noted for their excellent fuel economy and emission ratings, whilst still able to deliver pleasant driving characteristics. However, our Euro 2M fuel means that the full environmental and performance potential of BMW’s Euro 5 compliant motors cannot be delivered.
“As Malaysia continues to move further up the green technology and sustainability chain, it is imperative that constant measures are implemented to prime the market for the adoption of the latest innovations in technology. The Malaysian government’s long stated intention of introducing Euro IV diesel standards in the near future for instance is a critical step towards the country’s evolution into an actual advocate of Green Technology, one which we at BMW hope the government will comprehensively commit to,” said Briscoe.
He further added that the showcase by BMW was intended to provide Malaysians with an understanding of the broad technology spectrum for the premium automotive industry the BMW Group is exploring for today and the future which includes Advanced Petrol and Diesel combustion engines, Hybrid Technology as well as Electric and Hydrogen vehicles.
The all-electric BMW ActiveE’s role is that of a prototype to chart BMW’s road in the development of feasible electric vehicles under its Project i initiative. It is the second of such vehicle developed after the MINI E. Data collected from these two vehicles helped establish the necessary design parameters for the upcoming i3 and i8 electric cars.
Like the 1 Series Coupe, the BMW ActiveE is a proper four-seater, but with its boot capacity reduced to 200 litres to accommodate its rear-mounted electric motor. Batteries are of the lithium-ion type, giving it an estimated range of 160km per full charge. Charging time from zero charge to full takes three hours from a home socket or public charging space.
Propulsion of the ActiveE is provided by a synchronous motor with maximum output rated at 170hp. Maximum torque is 250Nm, available right from standstill all the way through a wide load range. So, zero-emissions this car may be, but it is still capable of a respectable 9-second century sprint. Top speed is 145kph, although that is due to an electronic speed cut rather than the motor running out of juice.
There are over a 1,000 units of the ActiveE running all over the world undergoing field trials. Currently, BMW is collecting data on the requirements to introduce the necessary infrastructure to support widespread usage of electric vehicles. Members of the public who are keen to learn more about the BMW ActiveE are welcome to visit the public showcase at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
KON
