The electrification process in the automotive industry continues. Chase Evans, a London-based estate and letting agent, has decided to join the electric movement by switching 95 percent of its fleet of company cars to BMW 330e plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In addition, the location of the Chase Evans offices in the City, Docklands, Canary Wharf and Greenwich, as well as new offices opening in Elephant and Castle and Nine Elms, make the vehicles an ideal solution for driving inside and outside of London’s Congestion Charging zone.
Ian Ruffle, operations director at Chase Evans, added: “Due to the nature of our business, our staff cover a lot of miles in and around London so reducing our carbon footprint is important to us. These cars not only look great on the road, but they also give us peace of mind that we are playing our part in reducing energy wastage and emissions.
Continuing BMW’s commitment to efficient dynamics, the new 330e combines a turbo four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor and battery. This combination makes a vehicle capable of up to 25 miles all electric yet still provides the dynamics that BMW customers expect.
The immediate benefit of this plug-in-hybrid and its 7.6 kWh battery, is the possibility of pure electric local trips of up to 25 miles (40 km) and speeds up to 75 mph. The hybrid powertrain can reach 0-100km/hr (0-62) in just 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 140 mph. Range anxiety wont be problem with the 330e it has a range of 373 miles in every day driving.
The rear wheel drive only 330e is powered by two motors. First there is an in-line turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder engine producing 184 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque. The 330e’s electric motor is capable of producing 88 hp and184 lb-ft. The 330e seamlessly switches between either motor or can combine them for a stout 252 hp with 310 lb-ft of torque.
The electric motor is situated just behind the motor and in front of the transmission. This means the electric motor sends power through the eight-speed transmission. Helping save weight, the torque converted is removed as it is no longer needed. The 330e uses a J1772 charging plug and does not have a DC charging option.
In the U.S., the 330e starts at $44,695.
[Source: evfleetworld]
