BMW Will Add Electric Version to Its X3 Lineup and Mini Brand; Mercedes Unveiled Generation EQ Electric Concept; New Renault ZOE Electric Car Increases Its Range to 250 Miles
BMW Will Add Electric Version to Its X3 Lineup and Mini Brand
According to Bloomberg, customers will see the electric Mini in 2019 and the electric BMW X3 in 2020, mentioned by BMW CEO Harald Krueger. Mr. Krueger also said that the electric cars would be “competitive” in terms of electro-range and price.
Earlier in May, Mr. Krueger commented that the company would launch i NEXT electric flagship model in 2021, during the company’s 96th Annual General Meeting.
Mercedes Unveiled Generation EQ Electric Concept
According to Fortune, Mercedes-Benz showed an electric concept car dubbed Generation EQ during Paris Motor Show. The carmaker indicated that the car was a “close-to-production” concept crossover.
The electro-range is 312 miles and the 0-62 MPH acceleration is less than 5 seconds. The car is loaded with advanced technologies as well – mirrorless feature, no door handles, concealed windshield wipers, touch-based controls and a floating 24-inch display.
Mercedes is creating a new electric brand EQ with the lineup covering vehicles, charging services and home energy solutions. The electric cars will be sharing a “scalable architecture” and cover from compact class to SUVs.
New Renault ZOE Electric Car Increases Its Range to 250 Miles
According to Renault press release, the new electric car ZOE will have a record range of 400 km (250 miles) based on NEDC drive cycle. The real-life range will be around 300 km (186 miles). The upgrade is through the use of a larger ZE 40 battery. MSRP starts at 13,995 euros. Sales start on October 1st.
Renault ZOE has been the top best-selling electric car in Europe. It reaches the sales of 100,000 units in September this year.
Nissan LEAF – also produced by Renault-Nissan Alliance – has an electro-range of 107 miles currently. There is rumor that next-generation LEAF will have a range of 200 miles and come out in 2018.