BMW is on the cusp of a major breakthrough that’ll have a major effect on the cars we drive.
The German maker has revealed its new electric car batteries can deliver 30 percent more range than its current units, eliminating one of the biggest concerns with zero emissions vehicles.
BMW’s head of Efficient Dynamics, Thomas Albrecht, told UK publication Autocar that the brand had the capacity to produce cars with a driving range of more than 1000km.
He went on to explain that the brand was unlikely to go over the 1000km mark as it was unnecessary.
There are very few cars that can travel 1000km on a single tank of fuel at the moment. Some hybrid vehicles can get close and diesel powered four-wheel drives such as the Toyota Prado, which has two fuel tanks, can travel that distance.
Mercedes-Benz has recently tested a concept electric vehicle that managed to travel more than 1000km.
Dubbed the EQXX the sleek looking EV went on a road trip across Europe to demonstrate the vehicle’s amazing range and efficiency.
Currently some of the longest range electric cars are the Tesla Model S (650km) and the Lucid Air Cream (836km).
The longest range versions of the BMW’s iX electric SUV and i4 electric sedan can travel up to 630km and 520km respectively.
BMW’s new batteries will also solve one of the other problems dogging its current fleet of battery powered cars – charging rates.
Currently BMWs such as the i4 can accept up to 200kW of charge at one time, down significantly on models from Porsche and Hyundai among others that can do 350kW.
The new version adds 30 percent more capacity, bringing it much closer to its rivals.
Further to this, BMW claims the new batteries are 10-20 percent lighter, which will further boost range and improve driving dynamics.
BMW is on a mission to reduce its carbon footprint.
It is putting special emphasis on using lots of recycled materials in its batteries rather than relying on newly mined raw materials that have long, CO2-heavy supply chains.
The company has also committed to using only renewable energy in the four new battery factories.
Originally published as BMW shows off game changing new electric car tech
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