The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
Removes rare earths, adds Iconic Sounds to fully electric iX3 Metal Tech News Weekly Edition – July 15, 2020
BMW introduces iX3, the first fully electric sports activity vehicle offered by the German automaker.
BMW Iconic Sounds adds depth to the driving experience.
The BMW Group July 14 announced the world premiere of its the BMW iX3, a sports utility vehicle that provides drivers with an emission-free option for enjoying the comfort, multi‑faceted functionality, and spaciousness of the BMW X3.
The iX3 is powered by the fifth generation of BMW's eDrive technology. The German automaker says this newest electric drivetrain represents the major progress it has made in terms of power density, operating range, weight, installation space requirement and flexibility.
"Today we are presenting the BMW iX3, our first fully electric Sports Activity Vehicle. It is also our first model to feature our self-developed and self-produced Gen5 electric drivetrain," said BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse.
BMW said the combination of low electric power consumption of its fifth-generation drivetrain and high charging capacity of the batteries enables long-distance journeys in the iX3 at high average speeds.
This newest fully electric BMW has a range of more than 500 kilometers (310 miles). The battery can be 80% recharged in 34 minutes at a 150-kilowatt quick charging station and a 10-minute charge adds 100 kilometers (62 miles) on the trip.
The newly designed BMW eDrive motor produces enough power and torque to accelerate the iX3 from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 6.8 seconds and the SUV has an electronically limited top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph).
BMW said the current-excited synchronous design of this motor allow engineers to optimize its power without the use of rare earths.
"It is highly integrated, without any rare earth materials, and extremely efficient," said Zipse. "The cobalt and lithium we use originates from only trusted suppliers."
More information on BMW's cobalt supplies can be read at BMW sources sustainable Moroccan cobalt in the current issue of Metal Tech News; further details on the German automakers lithium sources can be read at Plenty of lithium to go around for now in the January 15 edition of Metal Tech News.
The iX3 is the latest of BMW's rapidly expanding line-up of electric models. Next year, 25% of the German automakers fleet will be electrified and by 2030 the luxury carmaker expects a full half of its sales to be fully electric or hybrid vehicles.
Part of BMW's "Power of Choice" strategy, customers now have the choice of fully electric, hybrid electric, electric assisted diesel, and internal combustion BMW X3s.
The BMW X3 clearly embodies our strategy of intelligent and flexible vehicle platforms. We can fit this model with any drivetrain we need – and produce them on the same production line," said Zipse. "Whatever our customers demand, we deliver. And I promise you: all variants will have the same high level of functionality, comfort and quality."
But the iX3 comes with a little something extra – BMW Iconic Sounds.
While the silent delivery of power to the road can be a major advantage of electric vehicles, BMW recognized that this silence can sometimes create a gap in the emotionality of the driving experience.
Working with Hans Zimmer, a composer renowned for integrating electronic music sounds with traditional orchestral arrangements, BMW has developed a powerful drive sound for the iX3 that adds emotional depth to the driving experience.
"Just press the start/stop button, and you will be surrounded by the full emotional thrill of electro-mobility. What a sound!" said Zipse.
With more than 16 years of covering mining, Shane is renowned for his insights and and in-depth analysis of mining, mineral exploration and technology metals.
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