Remember the original BMW i3? The futuristic hatchback that could be equipped with a tiny two-cylinder engine that worked solely as a generator. Over time, the Bavarians shelved the Range-Extender (REx) technology, focusing on pure electric vehicles and classic hybrids. However, Munich is now talking about the possibility of bringing back internal combustion generators, albeit with certain caveats.
The main condition for resurrecting REx is the presence of real demand. BMW’s head of products, Bernd Körber, confirmed that the company is technically ready for such a step. According to him, some automakers, especially in the US, are now actively returning to the idea of the Range-Extender because pure electric vehicles (BEV) are not advancing in the market as quickly as expected. However, BMW doesn’t intend to merely copy others’ solutions for survival - they have their own path.
The Ultimate Driving Machine Above All
For BMW, the issue of returning the "range extender" is not only about autonomy but also reputation. Körber emphasizes that any car of the brand must align with the slogan "Ultimate Driving Machine." This means that a power unit with REx should be tuned so that the driver doesn’t feel any compromises in dynamics or handling. If engineers can make such a system work “the Bavarian way,” the project will get the green light.
On the other hand, BMW’s technical director, Joachim Post, expresses certain skepticism about the feasibility of this idea. The new generation of electric vehicles on the Neue Klasse platform promises a range of up to 805 km on a single charge. Add to this ultra-fast charging at 400 kW, which allows the battery to be "refueled" in minutes, and the need for a heavy and complex gasoline generator becomes less obvious.
Prospects for Large Crossovers
The most logical application of REx seems to be in large and heavy models. Bloomberg previously reported that BMW is considering this option for the next generation X5 (G65). Using a small internal combustion engine (possibly from the B38 or B48 series) as a generator could provide such a crossover with a total range of over 1000 km. This would eliminate any questions about long-distance travel in regions with underdeveloped charging infrastructure.
Interestingly, the next X5 promises to become a true multi-fuel giant. In addition to gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and fully electric versions, by 2028 it is expected to receive a modification with hydrogen fuel cells.
Source: BMW Blog