Three new BMW all-electric vehicles undergo testing in Arctic conditions
March 29, 2019
The BMW iNEXT, the BMW i4 and the BMW iX3 undergo winter trial tests in Arjeplog, Sweden (Courtesy BMW Group)
BMW Group has entered cold testing of its three new all-electric vehicles, the BMW iX3, BMW i4 and BMW iNEXT, expected to launch in 2020 and 2021. According to the group, it is currently testing prototypes of the new models under arctic conditions at the winter test centre on Arjeplog, Sweden, situated on the edge of the Arctic Circle.
Within the framework of comprehensive vehicle testing, the vehicles’ drive and suspension components are being put to the test under extreme weather and road conditions on the icy surfaces of frozen lakes, on snow and in very low temperatures, as the manufacturer aims to prove the reliability and performance of the electric motors, high-voltage batteries and power electronics of the BMW eDrive technology.
Starting next year, the BMW iX3 will feature the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology for the first time. This electric motor and high-voltage storage unit is said to feature state-of-the-art battery cell technology to facilitate purely electric driving in a new dimension. With a reported range of over 400 km and the possibility to use DC charging stations with a capacity of 150 kW to charge its battery, this Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is reported to be suitable for both day-to-day use and long-distance travel. The BMW iX3 will be the first model produced for the entire global market by the BMW Brilliance Automotive Joint Venture production unit in Shenyang, China.
The BMW i4 is a four-door coupe positioned in the premium midrange segment, and will also feature the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology featured by the BMW i4, with a reported range of over 600 km. The BMW i4 will be produced at the BMW Munich plant from 2021.
The BMW iNEXT will feature the BMW Group’s future modular construction system, reportedly combining innovations in the areas of design, automated driving, connectivity, electrification and services (D+ACES) defined by the group’s Number One > Next corporate strategy. The iNEXT also has a reported range of over 600 km, and will be produced at the BMW Dingolfing plant as from 2021.
