Imitation is the highest form of flattery. So say what you will about the Chevy Volt, more than one company looking to copy GM’s design, including BMW. BMW may be considering a range-extender for their small EV, the MegaCity.
The addition of a range extender would make the BMW MegaCity a half-breed somewhere between the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt. The Mega City will pack a 35 kWh battery pack, which should be good for at least 100 miles of driving per charge. And that’s how BMW is marketing the Mega City; a city-bound electric car. However, they seem to be considering the addition of a small range-extending engine. This would be an option, rather than a standard feature like it is on the Volt, and could increase the range by 50% or more, and allowing the owner to use gasoline in a pinch if they don’t have time to wait for a full charge. Wonder if they would include an option on the production version of the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept?
I rather like BMW’s approach, offering the range extender as an option. Some people might not actually need the extra engine, so they can save their money. On the other hand, some people might just feel more comfortable with the option to put gas in their EV. As a BMW, it isn’t going to be cheap either way so would you opt for the range extender, or save your money for something else (pretzels?)
Source: BMW Blog
Chris DeMorro is a writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to HEMI’s. You can follow his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout.