BMW introduces eDrive zone technology in the UK
Published 17th August 2020
Published 17th August 2020
Governments are increasingly using low emission zones as a way of improving air quality in cities and meeting environmental commitments. In some of the biggest cities in the UK these low emission zones are increasing in size. Many customers are responding to these changes by turning to electrified vehicles. Car manufacturers are now offering more choices than ever before of both plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Alongside the addition of more electrified models in the range, BMW is making it is easier for customers to take up electromobility with the introduction of new vehicle technology. BMW has recently announced the introduction of eDrive zones in both London and Birmingham, a first for any car manufacturer.
The eDrive zone technology is a new digital service available in BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles such as the 330e and X5 45e. The system automates the process of switching between combustion driving and electric-only power when your BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle enters a low emission zone within the city. Utilising the BMW navigation system your vehicle can also effectively plan a journey to ensure that the electric power is conserved for when it is needed.
BMW is currently trialling the new technology in both London and Birmingham and will be available as standard on all new BMW 330e, BMW 530e, BMW 745e and BMW X5 xDrive45e. Customer who already own these vehicles and are running BMW Operating System 7.0 will be eligible for a free over the air software updates.
The system is currently in place to cover the same geographic location of the London congestion charge, whilst in Birmingham it covers the city’s planned Clean Air Zone. From 2021 more cities in the UK and Ireland plan to implement low emission driving zones, BMW aims to extend the technology to these areas in the future.
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