BMW plug-in hybrids to automatically switch into EV mode in 2020

MUNICH – Starting next year, all BMW plug-in hybrid models will come standard with a function that automatically switches to full-electric mode when the vehicles enter areas designated for emissions-free driving only.

The function, called eDrive Zones, will use geofencing technology to recognize “green zones,” established by cities for emissions-free driving, and automatically change the driving mode to EV, the automaker said Tuesday.

BMW hopes eDrive Zones will allow plug-in hybrids to receive the same access rights to green zones as full EVs because they will behave the same way in these areas, the company said.

This new type of operating strategy significantly boosts the potential of plug-in hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions, said BMW, which has been running a test of the technology in the Netherlands. Increasing the use of electric driving not only optimizes efficiency but also helps reduce operating costs for customers, especially in city traffic, BMW said.

Automakers are under increasing pressure to reduce tailpipe pollution. That’s especially true in Europe, where they are racing to reduce fleet emissions to 95 grams per kilometer by 2021 from 120.5g/km in 2018 to comply with EU rules. Every car in Europe is expected to require some level of electrification to meet the EU’s goal of reducing average carbon dioxide emissions to 59.4g/km by 2030.