BMW M Cars Set to Go Electric by 2020? Here’s What Aspiring Auto Service Technicians Need to Know
2020 to 2030 is the official timeline that BMW has set to fully electrify its M series line of high performance vehicles. Like Porsche and other auto manufacturers, the fad with making electric and zero emissions cars has not fallen on deaf ears. In fact, it’s safe to say that some of the best electric vehicles of the future will come from the workshops and factories of these seasoned auto makers. Imagine, if you will, a fully electrified M2 rocketing around the track with the added benefit of instant torque.
Read on to learn more!
Considering the Effects of Electric Technology on Performance
There’s a reason that BMW is taking its time with producing its fleet of electrified M vehicles. BMW has to consider how an electric powertrain could affect the overall performance of its vehicles. For starters, an electric powertrain could actually make the vehicle a bit heavier. As grads of auto mechanic school already know, a good power-to-weight ratio is important for ensuring maximum level performance and handling.
As a result, BMW is expecting to make some headway on developing appropriate lightweight electric components in 2025, making sure that the technology it uses doesn’t negatively impact 0-100 km/h acceleration, top speed, and downforce. There’s no telling how the company might go about achieving its goal, but it’s no stretch to imagine that a ton of lightweight carbon fibre composites could be involved. Prospective automotive service technicians are invited to speculate!
BMW Is Looking for the Best Tech to Ensure Standard Peak Performance Is Maintained
You can’t deny that the speed and power of an M series vehicle is a force to be reckoned with. M3 iterations have owed much of their performance to naturally aspirated V8s and 4 to 6 cylinder engines. An F80 M3, with its 3.0L twin-turbo inline 6 engine, can clear 0-100 km/h in just 4 seconds and have a top speed of 249 km/h.
Needless to say the M series vehicles have earned themselves a strong reputation with sports car enthusiasts and professionals with automotive service technician training. BMW wants to make sure that if it brings an electric or hybridized version of the M3 to market, that it will drive and perform exactly the same as the original. In other words, BMW is far more concerned with preserving and capturing the spirit and style of the original than in trying to force change.
Grads of Auto Mechanic Schools Can Expect M Series Cars to go Hybrid Before Electric
An all-electric M series line hasn’t been completely set in stone, as BMW might be considering other types of hybrid technology that could be better for improving rather than hindering performance. Using hybrid technology on its M series cars is BMW’s way of testing the waters before deciding whether to move forward with making them fully electric. The company has already taken groundbreaking steps with the BMW I8, and it’s about to take that technology to the G80 M3, set to be released in 2020.
The G80 M3 will still make use of its 3.0L twin-turbo inline 6 engine with 500 horsepower, though the torque remains to be mentioned. The M3 will also get a 48-volt mild hybrid system. By working on the M3, BMW will be able to determine how best to move forward with electrifying the M series, all of which should have mechanics wild with anticipation.
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