BMW to offer fully electric versions of 5 Series, 7 Series, X1

BMW hopes to do its part to reduce its CO2 emissions, and part of that goal is introducing full-electric versions of its mainstream 5 Series, 7 Series, and X1 vehicles. These automobiles will be available with a full-electric, plug-in hybrid, and gas-only (plus diesel in Europe) with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The automaker said in a press release, "In ten years, the goal is to have a total of more than seven million electrified BMW Group vehicles on the roads—around two-thirds of them with a fully-electric drive train." BMW wants to have 25 electrified models by 2023, with half of these fully electric. By 2021, BMW plans to offer five pure EVs, including the BMW i3, Mini Cooper SE, BMW iX3, MBW iNext and the BMW i4. 

In line with the European Union rules of needing 37.5 percent lower emissions by 2030, BMW said, "The objective is to reduce CO2 emissions from vehicles by 40 percent per kilometre driven." Aside from introducing new fully electric cars, BMW is also planning to work with suppliers based on their carbon footprint, tying executive bonuses to emission reductions, and having plug-in hybrids automatically switch to an all-electric mode in cities.

Source: Engadget

Porsche's most powerful EV charging park is in Europe

Porsche

As a display of what it can offer for electric vehicle owners, Porsche opened its dream EV charging park in Leipzig, Germany. It offers visitors a dozen 350kW stations for rapidly charging Porsche Taycans or any compatible EVs, as well as four stations delivering 22kW of power to those who need a quick top-up. The charging park offers a total of 7MW power, which all come from renewable energy. On top of charging your cars, the park has a customer center, which includes a car museum and shop. You can also book track time at the Leipzig circuit.

Source: Engadget

Google Maps has a new filter to identify plug types at EV charging stations

The latest useful feature added to Google Maps will let users know what plug type is available at electric vehicle charging stations. With different charging connectors used by car manufacturers being able to identify what EV charging station has will be useful. To access the new feature, head to Google Maps > Settings > Electric Vehicle Settings >Your Plugs > Choose and save. And so when you search for an EV station, it will only show you ones that are compatible with the car you are using.

Source: GizmoChina

Toyota accelerates plans for electric vehicles

Toyota has been known for its hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, but now it wants to get into battery EVs, too. The company announced its intent to have half of its global sales in 2025 to be from electrified vehicles. The goal is to sell 4.5 million hybrids, with one million EVs either battery- or hydrogen fuel cell-powered. To make sure it hits its target, starting next year, the automaker plans to introduce at least 10 new BEVs. Six of those will be based on the electrified version of its TNGA platform, which is being called e-TNGA. The vehicles will be sold globally. There will also be different electric vehicles that range from SUVs, crossovers, sedans, to MPVs. To make sure they have a steady supply of batteries, Toyota is partnering with China’s CATL and electric car manufacturer BYD.

Source: Autoblog