BMW Gets Cold Feet on Pure EVs: Is the Range Extender Making a Comeback?

TL;DR: BMW is reportedly eyeing a comeback for range extenders in its high-end EVs like the i7 and upcoming iX5 SUV. This strategic shift, driven by the booming Chinese EREV market, suggests some automakers are getting cold feet on pure EVs, looking for a way to ease consumer range anxiety with a little gasoline backup.

Meta: BMW is reportedly considering adding small gas engines as range extenders to high-end EVs like the i7 and iX5, a move influenced by the Chinese EREV market.

Alright, alright, check it out! You thought BMW was all-in on electric, right? Neue Klasse platform, fast charging, the whole nine yards. But it looks like even the big German luxury brand is gettin' a little bit of cold feet on the pure EV front. Word on the street, according to Bloomberg, is they're lookin' into bringin' back the range extender for some of their high-end electric models, like the i7 sedan and the upcoming iX5 SUV! Say what?! It's like they're sayin', 'We love electric, but sometimes a little gas-powered peace of mind ain't a bad thing!'

Now, for those of you who ain't familiar, a range extender ain't like a regular hybrid. It's a small gas engine that don't drive the wheels; it just acts like a generator, chargin' up the battery when you're out there on a long trip and can't find a charger. BMW actually did this with the quirky first-gen i3, so it ain't a new concept for them. But now, with the Chinese market goin' wild for EREVs (Extended-Range Electric Vehicles), BMW sees an opportunity to grab a bigger slice of that pie. It's like, 'If you can't beat 'em, put a little gas engine in your EV and join 'em!'

China's Influence and the Range Reality

This move by BMW ain't just some random experiment; it's a direct response to market trends, especially in China, where local players like BYD have had huge success with EREVs. People love the idea of electric drivin' for daily commutes, but that long-distance range anxiety? That's real, baby. And a small gas engine in the trunk, just for backup, can make all the difference. It's like having a parachute, even if you rarely use it, it makes you feel a whole lot safer jumpin' out of that plane.

Other companies are doin' it too. Scout Motors is gonna offer its Traveler SUV and Terra pickup as EREVs. Stellantis even canceled its all-electric Ram pickup to focus on an extended-range model. This ain't just a BMW thing; it's a reflection of the industry adjustin' to what consumers really want right now. It shows that the road to full electrification might have a few more detours through 'hybrid' territory than some folks initially thought.

What's Next?

While nothing's set in stone yet, if BMW goes through with this, it's a significant strategic pivot that could influence other luxury automakers. It's all about meeting customer needs where they are, and right now, that means easing into the electric future with a safety net. For the consumer, it could mean more options and less range anxiety, especially on those epic road trips. BMW's always been about the 'Ultimate Driving Machine,' and if that machine needs a little gas-powered juice to keep rollin', then so be it. The game is changing, baby, and everyone's gotta adapt.

Sometimes, even the fanciest EVs need a little bit of that old-school flavor to hit the spot!