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BMW Active Hybrid: X3 EfficientDynamics |
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Page 4 of 6
Bundled Energy: Setting off with the Electric Motor, Accelerating with
the Six-Cylinder.
The integrated hardware is nevertheless just half of BMW’s Active Hybrid
concept. The other half lies in the system’s sophisticated operating strategy
with its particular know-how. The first point is that the driver is no longer
required to start the combustion engine first. Rather, all he has to do is press
down the gas pedal and the car will start accelerate immediately. In this case
the first clutch between the combustion engine and the electric motor is open
in the Active Transmission, while the second clutch links the motor and the transmission
unit. So the car sets off under electric power, without the slightest noise. Then,
once the car has started to move, the first clutch gently engages and the combustion
engine will fire. At this point the electric motor also acts as the starter for
the combustion engine, the intelligent operating strategy ensuring that the entire
process is smooth, comfortable, and free of any jolts.
Up to 600 Newton-Metres (442 lb-ft): The Muscle of a Diesel, the Responsiveness
of a Gasoline Engine.
Given all the features mentioned, the energy strategy of BMW’s trendsetting
Hybrid Concept combines spontaneous power and performance with optimum use of
energy: Whenever the driver applies the brakes until the car reaches a standstill,
the combustion engine is automatically switched off, thus not consuming any fuel
and not generating any emissions. Then, as soon as the driver presses down the
gas pedal again, the engine starts again automatically. Should the driver then
continue to give gas, the 400 Newton-metre (295 lb-ft) electric motor will start
initially to accelerate the car with its maximum output of up to 60 kW or 82 hp.
When accelerating moderately, the system intentionally does without the combustion
engine, with the vehicle being driven by the electric motor alone. Hence, the
combustion engine will only cut in and drive the car when accelerating faster
or when reaching a higher speed on the road.
The combustion engine is started at the same time as the electric motor whenever
required for accelerating quickly from a standstill. In this case the torque of
the two drive systems is combined at low speeds, developing up to 600 Newton-metres
or 442 lb-ft of torque at engine speeds below 1,500 rpm – certainly a new
dimension for a gasoline engine even exceeding the supreme power and muscle developed
by BMW’s three-litre diesel.
The electric motor then continues to support the combustion engine up to a speed
of approximately 3,000 rpm, when it is either deactivated without generating any
further power or switched to its charge function, depending on the car’s
current driving dynamics.
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BMW contract hire
