Faced with the difficulties, major automotive manufacturers are working on preparing new technologies to increase the autonomy of the units from the point of view of the batteries and other aspects they have developed.

BMW is one of the brands that is making inroads in this type of innovations to lead the transition to electromobility. Through “regenerative braking”, a characteristic of electric vehicles that allows them to recover energy in the battery when decelerating, using the electric motor itself in reverse mode instead of the brake pads, the German company intends to revolutionize the market.

The manufacturer has just patented this system that could give it a significant competitive advantage in the future. The platform takes advantage of the continuous movement of an electric vehicle’s suspension to regenerate energy.

Read also:Jake Hughes Completes McLaren’s Driver Lineup

Patent Details

The document filed in Germany explains how the structure works. The Bavarian firm’s engineers propose the integration into the suspension itself of a small generator, connected to an actuator whose appearance is similar to that of a conventional stabilizer bar.

In addition, the system was designed to capture only the energy of the rebound that occurs when gripping each pothole; this is so, apparently, to prevent certain shocks can ’cause damage to the mechanism.

Additionally, according to the patent, BMW engineers integrated a component that allows to increase the speed of the suspension movement.

In this way, the energy generated by the small generator increases. All this energy can then be stored either in the 12-volt battery that powers the basic electronics, or in the high-voltage battery that drives the vehicle itself.

For the moment, it is not known whether BMW intends to use this technology in the near future in any of its electric models, as it is currently only a patent.

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During the German brand’s annual shareholders’ conference, Oliver Zips, CEO of BMW, assured that its vehicles would save up to 30% in production costs by using “Neue Klasse”, in conjunction with cylinder-shaped cells to increase the power output of the batteries.

The manufacturer’s platform will be extremely important for the company’s goals of becoming zero carbon, as the plans contemplate using green energy, both internal and external, i.e., those who contribute from the outside (suppliers) will have to attest that it comes from renewable sources.

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Evaluating companies willing to collaborate with BMW will be key for the directive in order to meet the expectations of the project, be sustainable and save costs. From 2022 the search for investors or partners will begin, where their carbon emission levels and how they elaborate energy will be strictly evaluated.

All this is aligned so that the German manufacturer can meet the set goal of selling half of its vehicles sustainably (zero emissions) by 2030. Now, in general terms, in 2025 they aspire to market 2 million electrified models, while for this same year the arrival of 8 electric models is expected.

About BMW

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles that also offers premium mobility and financial services. The BMW Group’s production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end-use phase of all products.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

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BMW and Bosch are among them. According to Motor.es, the two brands are working together, sharing knowledge and technologies, and developing a system that promises to change the driving of hydrogen-powered vehicles. FlatHyStorn, as the proposal has been called, promises to flatten the tank to store the green fuel in order to replace the current ones (cylindrical and bulky), and space-consuming, while preventing the use of flat bases as well as electric cars.

One of the most important challenges for companies working on hydrogen is to devise tanks strong enough to withstand the pressure of the green fuel. They are manufactured cylindrically to achieve that goal, so transitioning to a flat system would completely change the way vehicles are structured in multiple ways.

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Cylinder-shaped tanks release hydrogen if their structure is damaged, rather than exploding. There, BMW and Bosch are working to transform the capsules’ shape and make them flat. It sounds simple, but it is not. The actual shape represents a lot of inconvenience when manufacturing the vehicle.

Now, with FlatHyStorn, the storage tanks would be located on the lower part of the cars, flat and allowing more space, and thus, greater maneuverability and flexibility when designing parts, spaces and amenities for the driver. The first prototypes of this technology are scheduled to be built later this year.

About BMW

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, BMW Group is a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles. It also offers premium mobility and financial services. The company’s production network comprises 31 manufacturing and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

About Bosch

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs approximately 401,300 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2021). According to preliminary figures, the company generated sales of €78.8 billion in 2021. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: mobility solutions, industrial technology, consumer goods and energy technology, as well as construction.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

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Although no specific replacement has been announced, the successor to this range is expected to be the ix1, an all-electric version of the BMW X1, which is positioned just after the ix3, an electrified model from the next-generation MINI Cooper.

The BMW i3 shocked the automotive industry with its compact design, offering good interior roominess, as well as a modern and groundbreaking design with good finishes using state-of-the-art materials. 

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In addition, the car featured a high natural and recycling component. For example, the carbon fiber chassis made it a very light vehicle, despite the ballast of batteries, with surprising performance for a car of these characteristics. 

The first update of the i3 was made in 2016, with a larger battery capacity increasing the range from 190 to 312 kilometers. In 2017, without changing the battery capacity, BMW launched the BMW i3s with an engine with 10 kW more power, a range of 280 kilometers and some features that offered a sportier dynamism.

What does the Future Hold?

For BMW executives, the car’s release will not affect the offer or the user’s preferences. A senior executive of the company in the United Kingdom told Autocar that customers who want an all-electric city car perfectly suited for urban driving, or a compact but spacious vehicle for an active lifestyle, will be perfectly served by the Mini Electric or the upcoming BMW iX1.

In addition, the firm revealed that by the end of 2022, it will have six electric models on the road, a figure that will increase to 13 by 2023.

After the farewell of the i3, in July this year, BMW’s Leipzig factory will reformulate its operations and prepare to reorganize facilities and start production of the third-generation Mini Countryman. This model is based on BMW’s FAAR platform, a new architecture that also marks the end of production of the aluminum-intensive DriveLife platform that underpins the i3.

Written by I Jhonattan González

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The prestigious German brand has proposed this 2022 to reach many more customers and has on the market a wide range of cars to satisfy different tastes and needs.

Last year, 100% electric models share increased significantly with 133.2% more than 2020 with 103,855 units. The best seller was the BMW iX3, 37,939, with more than 21,000 of them going to China; with the i3 still having a relevant volume of 28,216 cars.

Good prospects

Pieter Nota, Head of Customers, Brands and Sales on the Board of Management of BMW AG, explained that expectations for the next 12 months are to maintain profitable growth, which is why they will continue to diversify the range of electrified cars. 

“We have set ourselves an ambitious sales target for this area, aiming to more than double sales of electric cars compared to 2021,” the executive stressed.

Related content: Renault will only Produce Electric Cars Starting in 2030

Manuel Terroba, President of BMW Group Spain and Portugal revealed that they have established contracts with suppliers that will guarantee them direct supply of raw materials to ensure production.

He detailed that one of the keys to success has been that the company has managed the chip crisis better than other manufacturers in the industry.

Cars for 2022

One of BMW’s strong bets for 2022 is the i4, a 100% electric jewel that, according to data supplied by the organization, there are already orders for half of the production assigned for this year.

Other prototypes that are expected are the iX with a high performance version. It is a highly sustainable vehicle throughout the value chain. In its development, extensive use has been made of secondary raw materials, natural and recycled materials. 

To meet demand, BMW models will receive a production boost, creating a staggering 6,000 jobs in the process.

Written by I Jhonattan González

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Precisely, one of the “green” creations of the German brand is an electrified tricycle called BMW Concept Dynamic Cargo going beyond the limits to carry loads, something unthinkable when using a vehicle of this type for short and specific routes, but from Munich are betting to explore.

The tricycle arrived after having launched an electric scooter, so now the European manufacturer decided to take a step forward in small-scale urban mobility, but adding a load factor that may mark a milestone for this type of mobility, which often goes unnoticed by large companies.

For several years, bicycles have served as micro transport, but now with the BMW Concept Dynamic Cargo, a jump to the next level through a modular platform added to the rear that can be adapted to different needs through a bunch of accessories for specific situations.

Transporting goods, packages, children or even use it as a lounge chair while contemplating nature. All this has been able to blend into a single means of transport created by BMW, in order to keep transmitting a sense of comfort and lightness when driving it, despite all the things it could carry in the rear area.

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BMW Concept Dynamic Cargo in Detail

The BMW tricycle’s front part functions as a conventional bicycle, thanks to the characteristic design in this type of vehicle. Now, the radical change comes at the back with the cargo area connected to the front by a pivoting axle for stability and comfort on straight or curved roads, to make the driver feel as comfortable as possible.

Now, the tricycle is able to move freely by an electrified powertrain providing propulsion to the rear pair of wheels once the vehicle driver pedals to initiate movement.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

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The car rounding out the figure was the BMW iX xDrive40, a 100% electric SUV developing 326 hp and with a range of more than 400 kilometers, thanks to a large 71 kWh battery.

The Germans did not specify the proportion of 100% electric and hybrid vehicles within the overall computation, but the data show that the latter are still a majority: about 70% of the EVs so far sold are hybrids.

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The company’s goal is to have nearly two million pure electrics delivered by 2025, plus plans to double sales of these vehicles by 2022.

Not Giving Up on Hybrids

Although BMW has a strong focus on increasing production of electric cars, they are not ready to stop making combustion models, as they consider that charging infrastructure is still uncertain and semiconductor shortages leave little certainty to abandon the business.

In fact, BMW is part of the group of automakers that have not signed the non-binding COP26 agreement, which aims to put an end to cars with internal combustion engines. With this stance, they join Renault, Hyundai Motor, Stellantis, Toyota and the Volkswagen Group. 

At a press conference, Pieter Nota, a member of BMW’s Board of Directors, said that this kind of car will continue to play an important role in the industry, due to the limited charger availability around the world.

He reported that the plan is for at least 50% of international sales to be all-electric models by 2030, although they recognize that this is a complicated goal.

Read also: DS Techeetah Makes Key Moves for New Formula E Season

However, they will not rest on their objectives and in order to achieve this pace on the supply side, BMW announced agreements with chip suppliers Inova Semiconductors and Globalfoundries. The collaboration will allow the Germans to secure the supply of several million microprocessors that are used in the lighting of electric models such as the BMW iX.

Thus, these suppliers go on to work with BMW just like Qualcomm, the U.S. technology giant that agreed a partnership with the vehicle manufacturer to supply chips focused on autonomous driving systems.

Written by I Jhonattan González

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In one of the closest qualifying rounds in electric racing history, the Briton arrived to the final race in Berlin just four points behind the eventual winner, Nick de Vries.

Everything appeared to be in place for Dennis to fight side by side with de Vries for first place, especially after the other contenders, Edoardo Mortara and Mitch Evans were disqualified due to an accident on the first lap. An electrical fault, however, nipped the BMW racer’s dream in the bud.

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Specifically, the rear axle of Dennis’ car locked up and caused him to crash into the wall. Despite his desperation to get in, it was too late and he left everything on a silver platter for the Mercedes champion. 

Dismayed Team

BMW i Andretti director Roger Griffiths described the final result in the German capital as “disappointing”, following the breakdown Dennis suffered. “We went into this last race with a very good chance of winning the World Championship with Jake. He was in a good position with most of his title challengers behind him. On the restart after the unfortunate collision between Mitch Evans and Edoardo Mortara, we suspect there was a technical problem with the car that we have yet to analyze,” he said.

“The rear axle locked and Jake was just a passenger. At that point, his championship hopes were over, but I told him that his season was pretty good because he finished in third place,” Griffiths explained.

He admitted that if someone had offered them a third-place finish after the first two rounds, “we would have bitten his hand off. Jake did an incredible job on his rookie season with his two wins.”

The leader emphasizes that they leave with a bittersweet feeling, but the balance is positive. “We’re disappointed today, but once everything has settled down, I think we can be very proud of what we’ve achieved together as BMW and Andretti in Formula E, and the hard work that everyone put in to get us to this point,” he maintained.

“We are excited about what season 8 will bring for us. I thank everyone, not just the frontline team, but also everyone in the background who helped make this project a success,” Griffiths concluded.

Written by I Jhonattan González

The post BMW’s Formula E Season Review: Between Disappointment and Motivation for the Future appeared first on Green Racing News.

One of them is BMW’s Maximilian Günther, who is also still contract-less for 2022. The German is, however, fully confident about his continuity and believes the competition has a great future.

As of next year, BMW will only support Andretti Autosport with technical expertise in transmission use and maintenance. Due to this restructuring, the German’s contractual future is also full of uncertainty because the team’s owner, Michael Andretti, apparently has a strong interest on signing an American driver. 

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“Formula E is firmly on my calendar for next year,” Günther told TV station Sport1. “That’s my plan. I can’t reveal too much yet, but as I said, Formula E will definitely be on my schedule next year.”

The 24-year-old driver left open the possibility of Andretti taking over his future. Theoretically, a switch to another team could also be an option. When asked if he already had an offer on the table, he emphasized, “In the next few days or weeks I will make my decision on where I will go next year. But Formula E will definitely be on my agenda.”

Full Trust in the Championship

“From my point of view, I see a very bright future for Formula E. It’s a pity that teams have decided to leave the championship, but I think there are great manufacturers and a list of brands willing to join. It is untouchable and has a great future. It is one of the most important tournaments in the world and I believe it will stay that way for a long time,” said Günther.

His Journey in Electric Single Seaters

The German began his road to Formula E with Dragon Racing. He then moved to BMW for the 2019-2020 campaign and since then, he has celebrated three victories and completed a total of twelve Super Pole appearances. 

He finished ninth in season six, with big wins in Santiago and Round 8 at Tempelhof. The German’s four unsuccessful finishes, including a podium loss at Diriyah for overtaking while the safety car was on the track, complicated his crucial position at the end, but, thanks to his impressive performances, he got a second chance with the Teutonic manufacturer’s team.

Written by I Jhonattan González

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Jake Dennis will return to compete with the team for the 2022 season. After making his debut with the structure through his link with BMW, the British driver will have the opportunity to continue his career with the electric series. 

Although Andretti will use the BMW powertrain on its single-seater, Dennis’ permanence is based on the contract he has with the manufacturer. During his first season in the series, he scored two victories in Valencia and London to finish third overall.

They Will Continue to Rely on Formula E

Michael Andretti, Andretti’s Formula E Project Director, said, “As one of the founding teams of Formula E we are more committed than ever to the series and what it stands for.” 

“Our involvement will be different for ‘Season Eight’ as we compete as an independent team, but announcing Jake Dennis’ continuity allows us to have a solid foundation to build on for this new phase. We are delighted to welcome Jake to the team and much of the staff we have had until now. We hope to be part of many more seasons of the category and the future of electric mobility”.

Related content: Mercedes CEO: Team Exit is an Opportunity for Formula E to Redefine the Competition

Roger Griffiths, Chief Operating Officer, added: “Jake Dennis has shown during his rookie season that he has what it takes to win in Formula E. He has done so in two ePrix races

“His knowledge of both the BMW powertrain and the systems associated with it are very important assets to the Andretti project and operations. Jake’s continuity should bode well for success next season. Two wins in his first season is really impressive by the standards of any driver competing on Formula E,” he added.

Since Formula E’s inaugural campaign, Andretti-led teams have secured seven poles, 15 podiums and seven wins. The brand has introduced a variety of talented drivers, including Scott Speed, Marco Andretti, Simona de Silvestro, Antonio Felix da Costa, Maximillian Guenther, Robin Frijns and Jean-Eric Vergne.

Andretti and BMW will continue to work together in Season 8 using the BMW powertrain, as they move toward their long-term manufacturing infrastructure and partnership in preparation for the Gen3 era of Formula E.

Written by I Jhonattan González

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