More car owners are opting for hybrid and electric vehicles. If you’re undecided between the two, an in-between option is a BMW plug-in hybrid model. The team at BMW of Catonsville reviews which models in the BMW inventory are PHEVs and how the system works to power the vehicle.
How Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles Operate
First, let’s go over how a conventional hybrid model works. Hybrid cars have a combustible engine that requires gasoline. The engine is paired with an electric motor. The electric motor captures energy via regenerative braking. The energy is recycled to provide power and reduce fuel usage.
Plug-in hybrids are similar in that they have a combustible engine mated to an electric motor. The primary difference is that PHEVs have a larger battery, so they can be driven farther and more frequently using solely electric power, with the fuel acting as a reserve that comes into play when the electric power is fully expended. It’s at this time that the vehicle acts as a regular hybrid, using a combination of gasoline and regenerative braking power.
In addition, unlike a hybrid, PHEVs are rechargeable. You can charge your vehicle overnight or on the go.
BMW Plug-In Hybrid Models
The BMW inventory is expanding to include more hybrids, PHEVs, and all-electric models. In fact, several mainstay models are being released with a PHEV variant. This includes the BMW 330e, the BMW X5 sDrive40i, and the BMW XM.
PHEV Electric Range
The electric range in PHEVs varies widely depending on the model. The BMW 330e has an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 22 miles. The BMW XM has an EPA-estimated range of 30 miles. Short commutes below the range utilize zero fuel provided the battery is fully charged.
See Our BMW Plug-In Hybrid Inventory in Baltimore, MD
Make 2024 the year to reduce your carbon footprint. Achieve this goal with a plug-in hybrid BMW model. Come by BMW of Catonsville to see our expansive inventory of electrified models.