Category Archives: BMW

News and reviews of BMW electric cars (including plug-in hybrids).

Electric Cars are Getting Too Popular!

August 18, 2017Blog, BMW, Charging, Ecotricity, Electric Cars, i3, i3 94AhTrevor Larkum

As sales of electric cars keep increasing we are seeing more and more of them on the road. That simply reflects the rising demand as everyone now knows they will be transitioning away from fossil-fuel cars.

We saw one result of that today. We’re on our way to Devon on holiday in our i3, and called in at Chieveley Services to charge.

On arriving, there was a Tesla Model S charging at one of the Ecotricity pumps, the one with the CCS connector that the i3 needs. After a brief discussion he kindly agreed to move to the other pump so we could charge.

Once we were charging we went inside for lunch, and I monitored the charging on my phone. As it approached 100% we headed back to it only to find a charging queue for the first time ever!

The Tesla had gone and been replaced by a Nissan Leaf. Waiting to charge were a second Leaf and a Renault ZOE. We moved out of the way for the second Leaf, but the ZOE probably had a half hour wait ahead of it.

This type of situation will probably become increasingly common as more EVs hit the road, at least in the short term. Eventually it is hoped that we’ll see all petrol stations, and perhaps most parking spaces, changed over to be charging points.

BMW 530e iPerformance SE 2017 review

August 18, 2017530e PHEV, BMW, Electric Cars, News, Reviews and CommentJo

Plug-in hybrid version of BMW’s 5 Series is well-placed to take sales away from its higher-end diesel siblings. Strong performance and handling with favourable running costs.

What is it?

This is the first plug-in hybrid 5 Series. It’s not the first hybrid 5 Series, that being the ActiveHybrid 5 available with the last-generation model range. Less than one percent of the 15,000 or so Fives BMW sells here yearly have been part-electric. The ActiveHybrid 5 was expensive, equipped with six cylinders and 302bhp, 149g/km CO2 performance to suit the US, which is why it made little ground here.

BMW hopes that will change, dramatically, with this new 530e iPerformance hybrid, which is a plug-in propelled by a 181bhp 2.0 litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and a 112bhp electric motor. The crucial difference lies in some key numbers: the 530e’s £44,765 list price is £770 more than for a 530d SE and £7405 more than for a 520d Efficient Dynamics, while its 46g/km CO2 emissions score it a 9% BIK rating compared to the 520d ED’s 23% and the 530d’s 26%. That’s vastly more competitive than for the ActiveHybrid 5 and enough, BMW thinks, to see it selling around 5000 plug-in 5 Series in a full year.

What’s it like?

Start your trip with a fully charged battery and it’s on electric power that you’ll initially travel unless you’ve heavy with the throttle, in which case the petrol engine momentarily assists.

The 9.2kWh lithium-ion battery will realistically allow a 22-mile range, and in near total silence, the only sound being the tyres’ hum. The car remains tranquil even when the petrol engine kicks in, although the four-pot produces a pleasing internal combustion rasp if you ask plenty of it. The transition from one to the other is tremor-free, as you’d expect, and it’s easy to forget that you’re in a hybrid car at all, the ‘Auto eDrive’ driving mode enabling the car to select the optimum mix of power sources depending on the driver’s demands and the terrain advice supplied by the sat-nav. And while it may be saving fuel, the 530e is not slow, breaking 62mph in 6.2sec: pretty rapid for a car that’s partly about economy.

This twin-engined zest is complemented by a lithe, confident chassis that delivers a supple and sophisticated ride that’s as pleasing as this car’s quiet agility. Only the steering lets it down, the weight at the rim feeling curiously mushy, although it points the car accurately. As always with hybrids, there’s diversion to be had from monitoring the car’s energy usage and the game of trying to see how far you can go on amperes alone.

Plug-in BMW sales soar

August 11, 2017BMW, Electric Cars, News, Reviews and CommentJo

BMW has announced its latest sales results, with the German giant reporting that electrified models have increased 80% in the first half of 2017, compared to the same period last year.

Group sales of BMW i, BMW iPerformance, and Mini electric have seen dramatic growth

Part of this increase is because of new models arriving and coming into production. However, it shows that demand is strong, and the BMW Group’s line-up is continuing to expand so sales will only continue to shoot up for the foreseeable future.

A total of 42,573 BMW i, BMW iPerformance, and Mini Electric vehicles were sold in the first six months of 2017, with production totalling almost 52,000 cars. BMW says that it is on target to sell more than 100,000 electrified vehicles in 2017, with the delivery of the 200,000th plug-in car expected later this year.

These sales include the new Mini Countryman Cooper S E All4, which only arrived in showrooms in June, so wasn’t able to make much of an impact on the half year sales. This new plug-in Mini joined the likes of the BMW’s i3, i8, 225xe, 330e, 530e, 740e and Le, and X5 xDrive 40e to form one of the most comprehensive plug-in car line-ups on the market.

Further models are already in the pipeline too, with the new i8 Roadster due next year, along with a new X3 PHEV, and all-electric X3 and Mini.

Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the BMW AG Board of Management responsible for MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, said: “Sales of the new Mini Countryman are particularly pleasing and I’m delighted that with the launch in June of the Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4, electric mobility is now available on a large scale from the Mini brand.

“Customer interest in this car has been extremely high and I’m confident we will see continued growth across the brand in the second half of the year.”

Source: Next Green Car

BMW Plug-In Sales In June At Nearly 9,500. MINI Joins The Party

August 9, 2017BMW, Electric Cars, MINI, News, Reviews and CommentJo

BMW scored one of its best ever results for plug-in electric car sales in June, delivering around 9,350 units (up 79.8% year-over-year) and a record 42,573 in the first half of the year.

BMW i + iPerformance + MINI PHEV sales worldwide – June 2017

In June, plug-ins accounted for 4% of total BMW & MINI sales, while for the first six months that market share number stood at 3.5% – although we have to stress that the full year number is not quite representational now, as it includes MINI, which just started sales of the new plug-in Countryman on June 24th.

Production of BMW Group plug-ins this year was 51,725, and company says is on track for 100,000 sales in entire 2017. With 43k sales already bagged, and the 2nd half of the year always showing far greater plug-in sales across all regions and brands, the goal seems easily attainable at this point.

Because BMW’s cumulative plug-in sales topped 100,000 in late 2016, by the end of this year BMW will also reach 200,000.

Dr Ian Robertson, Member of the BMW AG Board of Management with responsibility for Sales and Brand BMW commented:

“June rounds off our best ever first half-year and the BMW Group remains the world’s leading premium car company. We’ve already sold more than a million BMW vehicles this year, which is a new first-half-year record. June also saw our successful electrification strategy expand still further to include the MINI brand, meaning customers can now choose from nine electrified BMW Group vehicles. With sales of these models up by eighty per cent compared with the first half of last year, we’re looking forward to celebrating delivery of the 200,000th electrified BMW Group vehicle later this year,”

Source: Inside EVs

Increased consumer interest helps used electric vehicle values rise 7% says Cap HPI

August 3, 2017BMW, Electric Cars, i3, Leaf, News, Reviews and Comment, NissanJo

Chris Plumb, a motoring expert from HPI, said: “Interestingly it appears to be the range extender models which is driving the recent strong performance as values of pure electric have struggled of late.

“The BMW i3 is a popular choice and is a great second-hand buy. It brings a good level of specification and badge prestige.

“The optional range extender can increase the range of the BMW i3 in comfort Mode from up to 125 miles to a total of 206 miles. The small, rear-mounted, quiet two-cylinder petrol engine powers a generator that maintains the charge of the battery at a constant level, so that the BMW i3 can continue to drive electrical.”

The Nissan Leaf with the 30KWh power train is attracting higher used values than the 24kWh as it has a larger range, with an NEDC range of up to 124 miles (Leaf 24kWh) or up to 155 miles (LEAF 30kWh).

Demand for petrol hybrid used vehicles remains high. Used values bucked market trends in June and prices strengthened overall, moving up by an average of 0.2% at three years 60,000 miles.

Certain derivatives performed particularly well such as the Toyota Prius (12-17) Plug-In which increased by 3.9%, Lexus RX (12-16) Hybrid which saw values rise by 2% as too did the Prius+ (12- ) Hybrid.

Source: FleetNews

Which are the best used electric and hybrid car buys?

July 30, 2017BMW, Electric Cars, i3, Leaf, News, Reviews and Comment, NissanJo

As electric car sales rise, so does the number of them available on the used car market.

So the question is, which are the best used electric car buys available right now?

The first one is obvious – the BMW i3. This fantastically styled little hatchback is the embodiment of what we think of when someone says ‘electric car’. It has an exceptionally modern design that even four years on still looks futuristic, and the same can be said about the interior that is uber modern with its crisp design and light-coloured textiles and wood used throughout.

To buy one new today will set you back a minimum of £32,340 with a government grant of £4,500. However, search on the second-hand car market and you can pick yourself up a great deal.
According to research by valuation and provenance experts Cap HPI, a 2015 registration with just 20,000 miles on the clock can be bought for less than £14,650. Opt for the one with the range-extending three-cylinder petrol engine and you’ll pay from £18,400.

Another car on the list is the Nissan Leaf. This is an electric hatchback that has been with us for some years now but is still a very popular choice – much of which is down to its reliability and affordability.

A new top-spec Tekna variant of the Leaf will cost around the same as a BMW i3 with a few goodies, but second-hand and the savings are very impressive. A 2015 model can be had from £9,900, meaning electric cars can bought for an affordable price.

The third car on the list isn’t quite a fully electric vehicle, but the Toyota Prius is still a hybrid. Second-hand values are surprisingly strong, and have in fact risen slightly by 3.9 per cent.

The research shows that there are electric and hybrid models to suit most budgets out there, with used examples being excellent value for money when considering the savings on fuel over a 12-month period too.

Source: Aol.

Electric Cars to Test Drive at the Experience Centre – How Many Can You Name?

July 27, 2017Blog, BMW, e-Up, Electric Cars, EVEC, Golf GTE, i3, i3 94Ah, Kia, Leaf, Milton Keynes, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Outlander PHEV, Passat GTE, Renault, Soul EV, Volkswagen, ZOE, ZOE Z.E. 40Trevor Larkum

There weren’t cars only on display inside the Electric Vehicle Experience Centre (EVEC) at the launch. There were also a large number charging up outside, presumably getting ready for test drives for the public for the opening the next day.

Electric cars ready for free test drives in Milton Keynes (Image: T. Larkum)

The large numbers and broad range of EVs available was impressive.

How about a quick quiz: can you identify them all? The answers are given below.

Of course, whether you own an EV or are considering your first, you’re welcome to test drive any of the vehicles on show for free. Just get in touch and we’ll help arrange it.

Answers to the Quiz: these are the electric cars waiting to give test drives (from nearest the camera to furthest away):

Renault ZOE ZE40
Nissan Leaf
Volkswagen e-Up
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Kia Soul EV
BMW i3
Volkswagen Passat GTE
Volkswagen Golf GTE

The Milton Keynes Electric Vehicle Experience Centre (EVEC) has Launched

July 26, 2017Blog, BMW, BP Chargemaster, Charging, Electric Cars, EVEC, Golf GTE, i3 94Ah, Leaf, Milton Keynes, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Outlander PHEV, VolkswagenTrevor Larkum

Last weekend saw the long awaited opening of the Electric Vehicle Experience Centre (EVEC) in Milton Keynes. It officially opened to the public on Saturday 22nd July. It is funded through a government scheme awarded to the local council and is managed by Chargemaster, the company that has installed the majority of charge points around Milton Keynes.

The Preview Event at the Electric Vehicle Experience Centre (Image: T. Larkum)

The EVEC is essentially a car showroom for electric cars but is located in a shop space on Crown Walk in the main centre:mk shopping centre (it’s close to the middle and next to Boots). It doesn’t resemble an out-of-town dealership so much as the boutique style shops developed by Tesla, Apple and most mobile ‘phone companies.

EVEC Purpose

The aim of the Centre is to both showcase existing electric models and be an information point for EV ownership in general. Visitors will be able to talk with staff about all elements of owning and running an EV, with test drives available too. It has been established to increase the number of EVs sold in the area. Milton Keynes’ target is for 23% of all new cars registered locally to be electric by 2021.

We are grateful to Chargemaster for inviting us to the Preview Event on Friday Night (Jo’s thoughts: A Little Bit of Zen). Most of the other guests appeared to be existing EV owners. The showroom housed examples of the Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Volkswagen Golf GTE and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. There were drinks and snacks, and then introductory speeches by David Martell, Chief Executive of Chargemaster, and Ted Foster, the new EVEC Manager. After the talks we had an opportunity to talk to Ted and the other staff.

EVEC Test Drives

As well as providing help and guidance on electric cars and EV driving, the EVEC is also making cars available for test drives. These can be short accompanied drives, however there is also the option of week-long extended test drives. For these there will be a charge (we understand about £70) largely to cover the inevitable cost of insurance. That’s seems fair to us – £10 per day to drive a new car, particularly considering the fuel costs will be negligible.

The Preview Event at the Electric Vehicle Experience Centre (Image: J. Pegram-Mills)

The enthusiasm of the EVEC ‘gurus’ is clear and we certainly appreciate the enthusiasm and resources that have gone into building and staffing the first dedicated electric vehicle showroom in the UK (and probably in the world). We wish it every success and will be supporting it by passing local customers to it for test drives.

If you live near Milton Keynes and are interested in taking a test drive in any one of a large range of new electric cars (including the Renault ZOE, Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Golf GTE, and others) just get in touch with us on 01908-904020, or by email at sales@ fuelincluded.com.

BMW i3 is the good kind of nerdy

July 21, 2017BMW, Electric Cars, i3, News, Reviews and CommentJo

There’ a new crop of nerds. Not the old-style outcasts of high school, but instead, the new age definition where brains are worn as a badge of honor. And this is their car.

The BMW i3 is intelligence for the road by offering an electric vehicle that’s engineered to maximize every last kilowatt. And it does so while boldly standing out from the crowd — loudly and proudly proclaiming its nerd-mobile status.

Its short stubby nose and blocky build give the i3 a memorable silhouette. BMW’s hallmark twin-kidney grille helps create an angry face, but the standard tri-tone color options make the whole package feel a bit livelier. So the total impression is like an electric bulldog on wheels (bet you’ll never find that kind of comparison on any other car.)

The front doors are large enough to look like a coupe, but there’s a second set of rear-hinged ones for better access to the back seats. Other cars of the last decade like the Honda Element and Mazda RX-8 have done this, too, but the i3 seems to open larger and wider, which makes it particularly impressive.

The extra exposure comes from its revolutionary construction. The frame is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. It’s a material that’s both extremely lightweight and exceptionally strong. BMW left it unpainted in the door jams so the cool nerds can marvel at the metallic-like weave that isn’t found in many production vehicles.

Once inside, this electric car reminds that it’s one with nature. The seats are made from a broad thread that looks like woven on a country loom. The optional leather was tanned with olive leaf extract. The dash and door panels have a fibrous appearance that clearly came from recycled plastics. And completing the natural atmosphere is the optional open-pore Eucalyptus Wood flowing over the glovebox and under the infotainment screen. BMW says it’s one of the most sustainable lumbers available, but really, we just like how it gives the i3 a unique and premium atmosphere.

Premier Used BMW i3 Available Today for £499pm

July 21, 2017Blog, BMW, Electric Cars, i3, i3 94AhTrevor Larkum

As many people are starting to learn, the downside of increasing interest in and sales of electric cars is that the manufacturers are struggling to keep up. In particular both the BMW i3 and Hyundai IONIQ Electric have increasing lead times, heading towards 5 months from order to delivery.

Used BMW i3 94Ah with Range Extender (Image: T. Larkum)

One side effect of this is a shortage of used i3’s, particular the longer range i3 94Ah which was only launched a year ago. We are very fortunate, therefore, to be able to offer a used i3 REx that just came into stock this week and, after preparation, became available to sell today.

It has a very high specification – it’s a top-end i3 with all the bells and whistles. It is available from now to the first person to complete the paperwork.

Used BMW i3: Specification

The complete specification is here:

BMW i3 94Ah with Range Extender (REx)
Mineral Grey Metallic with Highlight BMW i Blue (£530)
Aragats Grey Neutronic Cloth
i3 Sport Package (£1700): alloy wheels, LED headlights, Harman Kardon Hi-Fi, Sun Protection Glass
Media Package – Professional (£960): Navigation system Professional and Online Entertainment
Park Assist Package (£790): Park Assist, Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear, Reversing Assist camera
20″ BMW I Double-spoke Style Alloy Wheels (£520 on top of Sport Package)
Comfort Access (£330): Open front vehicle doors and tailgate without having to use the car key
DC Rapid Charge Preparation
Electric Glass Sunroof (£780)

The current prices and specs for the options are included just to give an indication of how well featured this vehicle is.

In my personal view (as an owner of an i3) this could represent an electric car to keep for life. It has the longer range battery (120+ miles), it has the Range Extender (a small petrol engine in the boot to keep the battery charged on longer journeys – adding another 100 miles or so per fill up), it has a great look inside and out (sport package, alloy wheels, sunroof), and it has the larger screen satnav and nearly all the other gadgets you can think of.

Used BMW i3: Price

This is a car that would have cost an impressive £37,350 when bought new last year. It has only done a little over 4000 miles so it’s virtually new (I do that in ten weeks). It is now available on 4 year PCP for £1200 deposit plus £499 per month, and that includes servicing until 20 May 2019 or 36000 miles. That’s for a high 15000 miles per year PCP – of course we can do it for a lower mileage at a lower price if that would suit better.

Do get in touch if you want to know more: trevor.larkum@ fuelincluded.com, mobile 07920 790600.