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BMW 225xe and 330e get official ahead of Frankfurt

BMW is going green at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show with the launch of the 225xe and 330e plug-in hybrids, but the Bavarians are spilling the beans about them early. The models are the latest to use Bimmer's eDrive tech that's derived from the i3 and i8. The modular system allows the automaker to roll out PHEVs through its range. For the new 225xe, eDrive makes for an all-wheel drive, PHEV version of the brand's usually front-wheel drive wagon. Other than the door hiding the charging point, the vehicle looks the same as other versions. Underneath the skin, it uses a 134-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder to spin the front-wheels through a six-speed automatic. An 87-hp electric motor with a 7.7-kWh lithium-ion battery turns the rear, and the result is a total system output of 221 hp and 284 pound-feet. BMW claims a sprint to 60 miles per hour in 6.7 seconds, but this 2 Series shines in fuel economy with between 112 and 118 miles per gallon on the European cycle. Multiple driving modes let the driver find the right mix of power and mileage, but the electric range is only 25 miles. Like the standard version, there's no chance of the 225xe coming here, but prices in Germany start at 37,800 euros ($42,050, at current rates) later this year. For buyers wanting BMW's iconic 3 Series as a PHEV, there's the 330e. Again, the only major styling difference is the charging door on the front fender. Its 87-hp electric motor and 181-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder both send power to the rear wheels. The result is a total system output of 248 hp and 310 lb-ft. The 330e maintains a 50-50 weight distribution, and fuel economy on the European cycle is rated between 112 and 124 mpg. Even with that efficiency, the 330e can get to 60 in 6.1 seconds. The 7.6-kWh lithium-ion battery allows for 25 miles of EV range, too. BMW's gargantuan press release goes into exhaustive detail about every technological element in the two new models. You can check out all of those details below ahead of the Frankfurt reveal, below. BMW eDrive – the latest generation. 1. BMW eDrive technology. Setting a new benchmark for efficiency. The innovative BMW eDrive technology in the new BMW 225xe and new BMW 330e once again underlines BMW's leading role in the premium segment when it comes to powertrain electrification. BMW eDrive technology includes a number of cutting-edge plug-in hybrid components and makes a significant contribution to reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

BMW to follow Honda back into F1?

The economic downturn wrought devastating effects on motor racing. Formula One alone lost half its engine suppliers when Honda left at the end of the 2008 season, and both BMW and Toyota followed at the end of 2009. But things are looking up again. Cosworth may have dropped out this season, reducing the engine suppliers to three: Ferrari, Renault and Mercedes, the latter of which admits that it may have left had the engine formula not changed. But Mercedes has stayed and is dominating the championship. Honda is coming back next season. And word around the paddock is it may not be the only one.
According to Giancarlo Minardi - founder of the team now known as Scuderia Toro Rosso - BMW engineers have been conspicuously spotted lately at F1 test sessions and grands prix, lending to speculation that the new engine regulations may entice the Bavarian automaker back into the series. According to Minardi, BMW's marketing division is pushing for the automaker's return to F1, with the board slated to make a decision in May. BMW would be more likely to consider an engine-supply deal rather than taking a team over like it had with Sauber, but with which team or teams it might collaborate remains a big question mark at this point.
As if that's not enough, Ford is said to be considering taking over Cosworth's aborted V6 turbo engine program to take both outfits back into the sport as well. Cosworth supplied F1 engines under the Ford banner for years, but returned under its own name for four seasons from 2010 through 2013 before shuttering its program to develop an engine to meet the new regulations adopted this season.

Recharge Wrap-up: Range-extended EV taxis in London, 2016 Chevy Volt interior two years old

The first Metrocab range-extended EV taxis are operating on the streets of London. The cabs use a 12.2-kWh battery and two 50-kW motors, as well as a 1.0-liter gasoline range extender. Fuel economy is 98 MPGe on the ECE101 cycle, and total driving range is over 348 miles before needing to charge or refuel. Cabbies can expect to save GBP20 to GBP40 (about $30 to $60) per day on average. "The cash savings on fuel are significant, the ride and comfort outstanding, and my first customers are thrilled with the new cab," says the first operator of the new EV taxi, Preston Morris. "With its air suspension providing unrivaled comfort, panoramic glass roof for views of the city and silent powertrain, what's not to like?" Read more in the press release below. Chevrolet has had the interior design of the 2016 Volt finished for two years already, according to GM interior designer John McDougall. Beginning around 2010, GM received sketches from designers worldwide before narrowing it down to a handful of designs. Then the top three choices were molded from clay. The chosen theme was then refined for up to 18 months. "Every little thing you can imagine goes into that," says McDougall. "The glare angle from the windows, the placement of the controls, the placement of the seat. You have to create something that's beautiful and functional." Read more at GM Authority and at Inside EVs. More details have emerged about the Second Life Batteries Alliance. Vattenfall has announced a research project in partnership with BMW and Bosch to use retired EV batteries for stationary, grid-connected energy storage in Hamburg, Germany. Over 100 lithium-ion batteries from BMW i3 and ActiveE vehicles will make up a two-mWh storage unit for grid balancing, enough to power 30 four-person households for a week. The system is "compact enough to fit in a small building," says Bosch. Such storage systems are especially fit for storing and moving alternative forms of energy, which often fluctuate in supply more than electricity from a traditional power plant. Vattenhall will operate the storage unit for 10 years, with Bosch managing the batteries, during which time the three partners hope to learn more about battery applications and their performance over time. Read more at Green Car Congress, or in the press release below.