Increasing the range of BMW hybrid batteries – how to do it?
Increasing the battery driving range of BMW hybrids can be accomplished by simple measures of proper driving and car care. There are also illegal methods of tampering with the drive software. In the following article, we describe how to properly increase battery range in hybrids.
What factors affect the range of a BMW hybrid?
The range of a hybrid car given in advertising catalogs is defined as the distance to be driven in all-electric (forced) mode. In the case of BMW hybrid cars, this is cataloged as 50 to 66 kilometers. The actual range is most significantly affected by the following factors:
- Temperature
- Additional electrical consumers (air conditioning, heating, audio, lighting)
- Driving style
Is it possible to increase the factory range of a BMW with a hybrid drive?
Yes, the basic options for increasing range are provided by the vehicle manufacturer itself in the owner’s manual and recommendations related to the specifics of driving a hybrid. The simplest way to increase range is to activate the PRO-ECO or ECO-Drive mode. This mode reduces the power consumption of all peripheral equipment (air conditioning, heating, audio systems, lighting, etc.). At the same time, driving parameters (acceleration, maximum speed, torque) are also limited. Activating ECO-Drive mode saves from 10-30% of the electrical power consumed in Comfort mode.
An equally effective way to increase range is to plan your trip in advance and run the vehicle’s heater before you leave (while the plug-in charger is still on). Such a procedure makes it possible to warm up the battery on colder days and ensure optimal operating conditions.
Emerging offers to programmatically increase the range of hybrids by reducing the factory-set battery reserve are not allowed and are very dangerous. Factory settings include the provision of about 30% of battery capacity in the form of a reserve signaled as a “discharged battery.”
With such a reserve, we are able to ensure safe operation of the battery unit even in situations where we do not have the ability to recharge for an extended period of time, or when driving on the internal combustion engine continues and electric motor support is sometimes needed (during rapid acceleration).
What is the difference between non-plug-in hybrids (older generations) and new plug-in hybrids (with a charging plug)? Can all hybrids have an extended range?
The first generations of hybrid cars did not allow batteries to be recharged from the electric grid. The process of recharging the battery was done while driving using the internal combustion engine.
In the case of these hybrids, range extension is done in the same way as in plug-in hybrids. The only difference is that the charger cannot be used when preparing the vehicle for a planned trip (heating or air conditioning the car).
How does increasing the range of hybrids affect battery health?
Software interference in increasing the range of hybrids lowers the battery discharge threshold. By doing so, we significantly shorten the life of the batteries themselves. At the same time, we can cause permanent damage to the batteries. Completely discharging the battery does not allow it to be recharged.
Does BM Cars service offer a range extension service for BMW hybrids?
We do not offer services related to interfering with the factory software of hybrid vehicles, and we advise our customers against such procedures. However, with the appropriate certifications, we provide a full range of services related to servicing electric and hybrid cars.
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