BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - hybrid cars
October 1, 2008 Posted by: Lee Sibbald
A landmark development for German manufacturer BMW, the X6 ActiveHybrid marks the culmination of decades of research. Determined not to be left trailing behind the high profile green cars from the likes of Toyota and Honda, the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid opens up another untapped market segment.
Quick links:
- History of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid
- Environmental credentials of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid
- BMW X6 ActiveHybrid statistics
- Future of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid
History of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid
BMW first introduced the X6 to the world in 2008 as a mid-size crossover sports utility vehicle (SUV). It has been described as a blend between an SUV with high ground clearance and all-weather ability, and a coupe in terms of its body styling and sloping roof. The model made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007 before a production X6 made its official debut at the Detroit Motor Show in 2008. At this point, BMW also announced a hybrid version of the model.
The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid represents the culmination of research that began in the late 1980s with the BMW E1. Hybrid technology has been brought to BMW vehicles using the EfficientDynamics programme and the ActiveHybrid system represents a working partnership with General Motors and Daimler Chrysler.
The ActiveHybrid system to be featured in the X6 will use two compact, high-performance electric motors that will be connected to each other using three planetary gear sets, a ratio gearbox and a high performance battery. It is estimated that this will lead to fuel consumption reductions in the region of 20 per cent compared to the standard vehicle.
Environmental credentials of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid
In addition to reducing fuel consumption significantly compared to the standard model, the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid can be driven on either electric power only, using the combustion engine only, or with a combination of the two.
The electric power is utilised for city driving – such as at low speeds or in high traffic. Depending on the driving conditions, the electric motors can also be used for acceleration and regenerative braking. Thanks to the forces that are applied when coasting and applying the brakes, power is supplied to the energy storage unit which in turn is used to increase power in the electric motor.
When all available performance is needed to accelerate, one of the electric motors can be used as a generator to convert some of the power into electrical current. This then feeds the battery or the second electric motor.
All of these processes combine to reduce fuel consumption and therefore cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. When the vehicle runs on electric mode only there will be no emissions produced.
Consequently, the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is well placed to offer a green alternative to typical sports activity coupe driving.
BMW X6 ActiveHybrid statistics
At present no official figures have yet been released regarding the BMW X6 Active Hybrid’s fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, top speed or performance. We’ll bring these details to you as soon as they become available.
Future of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid
There is no release date for the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid at present. Stay tuned and we’ll keep you up to date on the latest information here at TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk.
What hybrid cars are available?
The number of hybrid cars available in the UK is on the increase although they are still not as readily available as it is hoped they will be in the long term. Here is a list of some of the hybrid cars currently available in the UK – click on the links to find out more:
There are also several hybrid cars available in other markets:
Here is a list of some of the hybrid cars that are coming soon:
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