BMW is the latest in a string of carmakers to fall foul of advertising rules relating to environmental claims as the industry cracks down on misleading claims.

Industry overseer, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that a press ad for BMW’s concept ActiveE electric vehicle was misleading as it claimed the car produces ‘0% emissions’. The ad which read that the car offers ‘electrifying performance and zero CO2 emissions when driving’ broke advertising rules relating to the substantiation and environmental claims.

While the carmaker argued that the car produces no tailpipe emissions, its reliance on electricity means that the car is still likely to be recharged from the National Grid, where most of the power is produced from fossil fuels.

The industry has recently been given new advertising guidelines to help carmakers produce accurate advertisements (see story) and make fair environmental claims. BMW meanwhile has been instructed not to use the advert again in its current form.

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Tuesday 13 July 2010. The Green Piece Column

There have been plenty of green cars that have prompted debate, whetted the appetite and sparked eager anticipation – but few have captured the imagination quite like BMW’s latest electric car.

A design sketch of the BMW Megacity Vehicle was released last week (see article) suggesting it will be a dynamic but practical hatchback and one that should put BMW’s Project I firmly on the map.

What does the BMW Megacity have to offer?

With its edgy shape, BMW suggests the Megacity Vehicle reflects its commitment to building fun and engaging cars with a minimalistic design that optimises both fuel efficiency and range.

In an effort to maximise its range, BMW has focused on reducing the vehicle’s weight with a carbon fibre passenger cell and aluminium chassis components. The lithium-ion battery is placed below the vehicle’s floor and has a capacity of around 35kWh with a range in the region of 100miles. Power meanwhile, will be delivered to the rear wheels via a rear-mounted 150hp electric motor with the car’s top speed expected to be around 95mph.

The sketch itself has left plenty of food for thought as the design appears somewhat ambiguous. However, reports suggest that the Megacity Vehicle will feature a four-door, four-seat configuration and include rear ‘suicide’ doors similar to a Rolls-Royce. It will measure around 157inches – roughly the same as a Ford Fiesta – and should make its debut appearance at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September next year.

It’s not yet known how much the vehicle will cost, but BMW officials have admitted that they have been monitoring the prices of the Nissan LEAF and the Chevrolet Volt. It’s unlikely of course that the BMW will be as cheap as the LEAF with buyers expected to pay for the company’s renowned refinement.

The start of something big for BMW

While the likes of Toyota, Honda and Nissan have set the early pace in the green car race, BMW may be garnering the early lead among luxury car makers.

The German car manufacturer has already made a number of green refinements to existing models through its EfficientDynamics range and it was announced last month that the BMW 5 Series Touring will feature a stop-start function that will help slash its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to just 135g/km (see article). Meanwhile, the BMW 3 Series 320d EfficientDynamics model almost managed a staggering 1,013miles on a single tank of fuel when competing in a fuel challenge during a road challenge run from London to Munich (see article).

However, it’s not just about improving its existing fleet – BMW has also introduced several new green car concepts.

Among them is a full hybrid version of the BMW 5 Series (see article) with hybrid versions of the X6 and 7-Series also in production. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 has already qualified for a substantial tax credit of $900 in the US courtesy of the Alternative Motor Vehicle provision (see article).

Also planned are a series of battery electric cars including the BMW Concept ActiveE, which was unveiled in Geneva earlier this year (see article). The vehicle includes a specially designed motor with a maximum torque of 250Nm and it can race from 0-60mph in 8.5seconds with a 100mile range. BMW has also conducted a number of trials for the MINI E, which was first unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January (see article). This electric model also includes the same specially designed motor with a maximum torque of 250Nm.

And as if to prove that it has all its bases checked, BMW has also revealed plans for a fuel cell hybrid vehicle (see article) with the aim of offering emission-free travelling in city traffic. The concept includes an on-board reformer that produces hydrogen from conventional hydrocarbon fuel and is based on the BMW 1 Series.

So how far can BMW go?

BMW is expected to create its own brand for its electric vehicles, similar to the M badge that is used for its performance cars. It is expected that, in addition to the Megacity Vehicle, at least two more models will be part of its make-up including a smaller intra-city vehicle with two doors and two seats expected to go on sale by 2015; and an urban commuter vehicle with four doors and room for five people, expected to go on sale by 2017.

Reports also indicate that BMW may expand to include other powertrain options with one possibility being to package a 35hp combustion engine as a range extender in a similar vein to the Chevrolet Volt. Similarly, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are also expected.

BMW seems to have given itself a “can’t miss” portfolio of green cars. Rather than banking on one technology, it has set itself up for both the short- and long-term by exploring several options with equal gusto meaning that the BMW name is likely to play as big a role in the car manufacturing of the future as it has in the past.

Faye Sunderland

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Take a look at the design sketch for the BMW Megacity electric vehicle (below), which is due on the market in 2013.

At the company’s Innovation Days briefing it revealed the design along with a new LifeDrive architecture on which the vehicle is based. The concept consists of two horizontally separated independent modules with the drive model – the aluminium chassis – including a battery, drive system and structural and crash functions within a single construction.

BMW Megacity electric vehicle design sketch.

According to Klaus Draeger, a member of the board of management for development at BMW Group, the Megacity is a revolutionary car that will be the world’s first volume produced vehicle with a passenger cell made from carbon.

The LifeDrive architecture, he believes, will help open a new chapter in automotive lightweight design and will offset the 250-350kg of extra weight normally found in electrically powered vehicles.

The electrification of a vehicle involves extensive revisions to its body as the electric drive system places different demands on the packaging space of the vehicle. As such, BMW set out to develop a new body concept that addresses the technical peculiarities of an electric drive system with lightweight design being particularly important to avoid limiting the vehicle’s range.

The life module is a passenger cell mounted on the load-bearing structure of the Drive model and features carbon fibre reinforced plastic which is at least as strong as steel but also around 50 per cent lighter. The extensive use of this material makes the vehicle extremely light and helps provide a longer range and improved performance.

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The fourth generation BMW 5 Series Touring will make its debut with an auto start stop function as a standard feature in the 520d model.

Available with a choice of two straight-six petrol engines and a four-cylinder and six-cylinder diesel the vehicle is expected to be among the most popular BMW models yet.

The BMW 5 Series Touring.

The 520d is the most economical in the range – not only does it feature the start-stop function, but it also has average fuel consumption of 46.1mpg and a CO2 emission level of just 135g/km in an EU test cycle making it the best in its segment, according to BMW. Maximum output of the 2.0litre engine is up to 135kW with peak torque at 380Nm.

Meanwhile, the BMW 530d Touring offers an increase in engine output of 7kW compared to its predecessor with average fuel consumption down by up to four per cent at 36.8mpg with CO2 emissions at 169g/km. It includes a 3.0litre engine with an optimised turbocharger system with variable intake geometry for superior power and torque. It is also possible to upgrade the automatic transmission with BMW BluePerformance Technology that supplements the standard diesel particulate filter and oxidation catalyst with a nitrogen oxide storage catalyst.

As for the petrol engines, they both feature BMW’s second generation direct fuel injection system. Combined cycle fuel consumption for the 523i Touring is 30mph with CO2 emissions at 185g/km while the 535i Touring achieves average fuel consumption of 27.4mpg.

Depending on the model, a number of BMW EfficientDynamics measures may also be incorporated including brake energy regeneration; demand-dependent ancillary components; active air flap control; gearshift point indicator; and lightweight construction.

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Anyone planning to drive the new BMW ActiveHybrid 7 has been boosted by news that the vehicle will qualify for a substantial tax credit.

The US Internal Revenue Service has determined that the car will earn a $900 credit under the Alternative Motor Vehicle provision.

The vehicle, which combines an electric motor with BMW’s 4.4litre twin-turbo V8 and a new eight-speed automatic transmission, is available from $103,125. It can accelerate from 0-60mph in a mere 4.7seconds and delivers impressive fuel economy with estimates of 17mpg city and 26mph highway – that’s a near 18 per cent improvement compared to the non-hybrid 750i/Li.

Both the standard and long-wheel base versions of the ActiveHybrid7 will qualify for the credit – becoming the fourth and fifth BMW models to do so. Already qualifying are the ActiveHybrid X6, the BMW Advanced Diesel 335d and the X5 xDrive35d.

The first BMW ActiveHybrid7 models have already started to arrive at US BMW centres.

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BMW’s greenest ever 3-Series achieved a staggering range of 1,013 miles on a single tank of fuel as part of a road challenge run between London and Munich.

Driven by the Sunday Times’ Tom Ford, a 320d EfficientDynamics saloon filled up at the Channel Tunnel, made it to Munich and as far as Lille on the return leg of the journey before needing to be refuelled.

To put it in a UK geographic context, the distance achieved would have meant being able to drive from Land’s End to John O’Groats, and still having 200 miles range left in the tank.

Just as impressive was that the driver didn’t use efficient driving techniques such as coasting, or drive deliberately slowly for the trip, coverage of which appeared in yesterday’s Sunday Times newspaper.

Although switching the air con and radio off as a concession to fuel saving, Tom managed a reasonable motorway pace all the way there and back, proving that in the real world, the new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon delivers what it promises on paper – an official combined figure of 68.9mpg and CO₂ emissions of only 109g/km.

On the way to Munich, Tom achieved highs of 75.9mpg, and didn’t dip below 65mpg for the entire trip. With an average speed of 59.3mph, the car achieved 68.9mpg overall.

He said: “I was prepared for this car to fail in the real world. I was wrong. Although I did try and be careful and drive in a feather-footed manner, I did cruise at a reasonable 65ish mph on the autoroutes and autobahns, so faster than the usual economy run pace.

“Think about it in the context of everyday motoring: comfortably more than 1,000 miles on one tank of diesel means just 12 fills a year for the average motorist – and even driven normally I still think you’re looking at 750-800 miles per fill. BMW’s EfficientDynamics: it does what it says on the tin.”

For drivers who choose a BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon, there is no VED to pay for the first year of purchase due to its low CO₂ figure and a 13 per cent benefit-in-kind company car tax rating and sporting ability thanks to its 163bhp. For a business buying one, the sub 110g/km emissions mean 100 per cent first year writing down allowances, allowing the model’s full first year depreciation against to be offset against Corporation Tax.

To watch a short video of the Sunday Times 1,000-mile drive log on to: www.facebook.com/sundaytimesingear

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Anyone eager to get their hands on a full hybrid version of the BMW 5 Series won’t have long to wait.

According to Dr Norbert Reithofer, the chairman of the board of management of BMW AG, the company will start offering the vehicle as early as next year following its successful introduction at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

The move to hybrid technology won’t end there however, with Reithofer anticipating that other models will get hybrid versions including the BMW 3 Series. The company already has two hybrids in series production – the X6 and 7-Series.

He believes the priority is the large model series because this is where the potential savings will be greatest. He also states that with the public seeing hybrid as a sign of eco-friendliness, sales of hybrids have sky-rocketed and if you don’t have a hybrid in your portfolio you may soon not be selling any cars in Japan at all.

The company is also keen on the broad application of electric vehicles with Reithofer believing there are many enthusiastic customers for e-mobility already waiting and that with a network of electric filling stations in place the company “can implement e-mobility today”.

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Interested in being among the first to drive one of the most hotly anticipated electric cars?

Well, you could be – at least if you live in Munich.

The BMW Group has started to accept applications for drivers that want to participate in the MINI-E trial in Munich as part of a joint project with Siemens and Stadtwerke Munchen.

Under the conditions of the trial, applicants must be resident in Munich or the surrounding area and have access to a private parking space. There is a monthly lease fee of €400 with the application period running until June 20. The handover of vehicles takes place in September and an application form is available at www.MINI.de.

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Green cars are definitely the in-thing in the auto industry and now consumer website kbb.com (part of the Kelley Blue Book) has named its Top 10 Green Cars for 2010.

Now before you wonder where the likes of the Nissan LEAF and the Chevrolet Volt are on the list – they are not yet available and this list only includes cars that are on the market now. So, which vehicles made the top 10?

1. Toyota Prius – It’s no surprise to see the Prius at the top of the list even with the recall issues surrounding an alleged brake pedal fault. Toyota introduced the third generation last year with EPA ratings of 51mpg as the vehicle continues to feature a full hybrid system and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack.
   
2. Honda Insight Hybrid – Another vehicle that arrived last year, it is the lowest priced hybrid in the US market with official EPA ratings of 40mpg city/43mpg highway achieved with a four-cylinder petrol engine with intelligent variable valve timing and an electric motor.
   
3. Ford Fusion Hybrid – Also new for 2010 it has a clone under the Mercury brand known as the Milan Hybrid. Its EPA ratings are 41mpg city/36mpg highway and a Lincoln version is expected in 2011.
   
4. Volkswagen Golf TDI – A three- or five-door hatchback with a very efficient four-cylinder clean diesel engine that achieves 30mpg city/42mpg highway.
   
5. MINI Cooper – Featuring a petrol engine that delivers 28mpg city/37mpg highway, this is a cute fun car with a surprising amount of space for front seat occupants.
   
6. Ford Escape Hybrid – A drive system similar to the Fusion Hybrid, but this vehicle is a compact crossover rather than a saloon car. A Mercury version is also available – known as the Mariner Hybrid.
   
7. Honda Fit – Another vehicle to make the list that is neither a hybrid nor a diesel it instead has a small petrol engine with EPA ratings of 28mpg city/35mpg highway with a five-speed automatic transmission.
   
8. BMW 335d – This saloon car has a six-cylinder diesel engine and EPA ratings of 23mpg city/36mpg highway.
   
9. Toyota Highlander Hybrid – A midsize crossover utility vehicle with seating for up to seven and ratings of 27mpg city/25mpg highway.
   
10.  Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid – A surprise inclusion at number 10, this SUV has seating for up to eight people and ratings of 21mpg city/22mpg highway.

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The BMW Group has declared that its new Megacity Vehicle will be launched in 2013.

The announcement was made by Norbert Reithofer, the chairman of the board of management for BMW AG, ahead of the Auto China 2010 show in Beijing.

The Megacity will be the first series production electric drive model on the market and is being developed as part of BMW’s project I. The German manufacturer is focusing on lightweight materials with ultra light and high strength composite CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) expected to play a significant role in the materials mix.

According to Reithofer, the vehicle will “radically alter the motor industry” and BMW is currently the only company that will be launching a volume production vehicle on the market with carbon fibre reinforced material.

It’s not the company’s first venture into the world of electric cars, however. It launched a global field test in mid-2009 of 600 MINI E models and will deliver 50 MINI E cars to customers in China this year.

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