Latest news with #BMW330e
Miami Herald
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Why Plug-In Hybrids Aren't as Green as They Seem
Zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds: that's the official sprint time for the latest plug-in hybrid BMW 330e sedan. Not bad for a car that promises to save the world one commute at a time. But while the spec sheet boasts a WLTP rating of 27–36 g/km CO₂, independent road tests show real-world figures of 85–114 g/km - almost three times higher than the lab number. Such numbers are not rounding errors, and the BMW is not at all alone in this. So, while hybrid sales now largely rise faster than EV sales, why do these eco-darlings wear such a convincing mask? Pull away from the curb with a full battery and you'll believe the hype. The cabin is eerily silent; the instant torque feels futuristic. But as the charge dips below a few dozen miles of electric range, the gas engine awakens - first a polite cough, then the familiar rumble of an internal-combustion motor. At that point, fuel consumption climbs to levels that rival conventional hybrids. Key point: WLTP tests start with a full battery and measure over a short distance. They assume near-perfect charging habits. In everyday use - with longer trips, forgetful charging, or frequent cold starts - plug-in hybrids spend far more time in gasoline mode. Lab versus road: WLTP rating: 27–36 g/km CO₂ Real-world: 85–114 g/km CO₂ Real emissions are ~3× higher Average multiplier: The European Commission's 2024 report finds PHEVs emit on average 3.5 times more CO₂ in real driving than in WLTP tests Charging habits: Official figures assume drivers plug in before every trip. Surveys show many PHEV owners charge infrequently, reducing the share of electric kilometres and pushing up fuel size and weight: Compact batteries limit all-electric range. Once depleted, the extra mass means the petrol engine works harder, raising cycle limitations: Laboratory procedures can't replicate real-world factors-ambient temperature, driving style, terrain, or accessory use (air-con, heating). Related: Shopping for a 2025 BMW 3-Series? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look at Instead The "utility factor" estimates the share of electric driving. WLTP assumes a high UF based on ideal conditions; real-world surveys report widely varying UFs, often below 60%, especially in colder climates or for longer commutes. Exact values depend on driver behaviour, geography, and charging infrastructure - but rarely match the theoretical maximum. Complexity and cost: More components = higher purchase price and maintenanceEnvironmental trade-offs: Battery production has significant carbon footprint; heavy vehicles can cause more tyre and brake wearBehavioural rebound: Feeling "eco-friendly" may encourage longer trips or less fuel-efficient driving once the engine engages PHEVs offer a partial bridge to full electrification - useful for drivers with irregular charging access who still want some electric miles. But they require disciplined charging and realistic expectations. Unplugged, they function as petrol cars with extra ballast. For genuine emissions reductions, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) currently deliver the most predictable real-world performance - no tailpipe emissions, simpler powertrain, and steadily improving charging networks. Plug-in hybrids blur the line between electric and combustion power, and their marketing can oversell the environmental benefits. Verified data show real-world CO₂ emissions are roughly three to four times laboratory values. If you choose a PHEV, plan to charge faithfully and evaluate whether its limited electric range fits your driving patterns. Otherwise, you may be driving a "green" badge on a gas-car platform - without so much green. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Motorcyclist killed in multi-vehicle crash on 101 Freeway in Ventura County
A motorcyclist was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on the 101 Freeway in Ventura County. On April 6, California Highway Patrol responded to the crash on the southbound lanes of the 101 Freeway north of California Street. A motorcyclist and four other vehicles were involved in the crash including a Volkswagen SUV, a Tesla Model 3, sedan, a BMW 330e sedan and a BMW 330i sedan. According to investigators, the Volkswagen SUV had slowed down and eventually stopped due to heavy traffic ahead. The nearby Tesla and BMW 330e also slowed down for the traffic. Behind them, the driver of the BMW 330i did not notice the stopped traffic ahead and rear-ended the BMW 330e, shoving it into another lane, CHP said. The BMW 330i struck a concrete center divider before crashing into the Tesla. At this moment, an oncoming motorcyclist was unable to stop in time and struck the Tesla's rear end. The biker was ejected from the motorcycle and hit the Tesla before landing on the roadway. Emergency medical crews responding to the scene found the motorcyclist with critical injuries. He was transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. The biker was only identified as a 58-year-old man from Thousand Oaks, according to the Ventura County Star. Two additional people were transported to the hospital with minor injuries. No further details were released as the deadly crash remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Motorcyclist dies following multi-vehicle crash on 101 Freeway in Ventura County
A motorcyclist died following a multi-vehicle crash on the 101 Freeway in Ventura County on Sunday afternoon. Police were dispatched to southbound lanes of the freeway, just north of California Street, at around 2:50 p.m. after receiving multiple reports of crash involving several vehicles and a motorcycle, according to a statement from the California Highway Patrol. They arrived and found the motorcyclist, a 58-year-old man from Thousand Oaks, lying in the roadway. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was later declared dead, police said. He has not yet been identified. Investigators say that the crash happened when a Volkswagen SUV slowed and came to a stop in the No. 1 lane due to traffic ahead. At the same time, a Tesla Model 3 and a BMW 330e were also slowing in other lanes. "As they were slowing down, an additional BMW 330i failed to observe traffic slowing in front of him and rear-ended the black BMW 330e," the CHP statement said. "The impact caused the BMW 330e to travel in a southwesterly direction, coming to a rest in the number three lane." The BMW 330i veered in the opposite direction, colliding with a concrete center divider before ending up on the No. 1 lane, where it crashed into the Tesla, police said. "During the sequence of events, the black Indian Scout motorcycle approached from the rear and was unable to stop in time, striking the rear of the Tesla," CHP's release said. "The impact ejected the motorcyclist, who struck the Tesla before landing on the roadway." No other serious injuries were reported in the crash. All lanes were reopened by 5 p.m. Anyone who has more information on the incident is urged to contact CHP Officer Daniel Perez, who is the investigating officer for the incident.
