The All-Electric BMW i7 (Saloon): The Complete Electric Car Buying Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The BMW i7 Electric Saloon

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BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG), is a leading global automotive manufacturer headquartered in Munich, Germany. BMW is well known for its portfolio of luxury vehicles, to include the famed Rolls-Royce luxury cars. The group manufacturers a number of cars under its BMW brand, to include battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The company currently has the following portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs):

• All-electric BMW iX3 (BEV)
• All-electric BMW iX1 (BEV)
• All-electric BMW iX2 (BEV)
• All-Electric BMW i5 (BEV)
• All-Electric BMW i7 (BEV)
• All-electric BMW iX (BEV)
• All-electric BMW i4 (BEV)
• All-electric BMW i3 (BEV)

The BMW 7 Series, a luxury saloon, has been manufactured since 1977. The vehicle is currently on its sixth generation. The BMW 7 Series is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). When it comes to ultra-luxury saloon pure electric cars, the options are limited to the likes of BMW, Mercedes and Porsche electric cars.

For both families and company-car drivers keen on an environmentally-friendly luxury all-electric car, the BMW i7 is worth consideration. Of course, for owners of the conventional BMW 7 series internal combustion engine (ICE) car, the BMW i7 is a natural evolution.

The BMW i7 premium saloon car is available in one EV battery size: 105.7 kWh, and has a claimed pure electric range up to 625 km. The EV battery size and zero-emission electric range is similar to many of the more recent introductions of pure electric cars i.e. there is a trend of increasing EV battery size and longer zero-emission electric range.

Of course, the real-world EV range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include: speed, driving profile, regen braking profile, weather conditions, road conditions, tyre size, onboard services used, payload and more. Expect a real-world electric range closer to 530 km. Still very impressive and certainly class-leading.

As is the case with electric cars, the BMW i7 has an onboard recuperation system that converts the kinetic energy during braking into electricity, further enhancing the efficiency of the electric vehicle and e-range. This is also known as regenerative braking. It does take some getting used to, but not long!

We at e-zoomed recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to charging an electric car. This way, there is always range readily available and moreover, a topping up approach reduces the amount of time required to charge. Regular charging is also beneficial for the long-term maintenance of the EV battery. BMW offers a 8 years or 160,000 km, which is fast becoming the industry standard for EVs.

The electric vehicle (EV) can be DC charged up to 195 kW and can achieve a 0%-80% in 34 minutes (6 mins = 100 km). All variants incorporate a 11 kW (3-phase) onboard charger, which can fully charge the EV in 10 hours and 30 minutes. However, given that most homes in India are restricted to single-phase (7.4 kW) power supply, expect the EV to take longer to charge. At 7.4 kW the EV can achieve a range of 100 km in 2.27 hours.

The all-wheel drive BMW i7 xDrive60 electric saloon can achieve 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The electric vehicle delivers a maximum power up to 544 hp and 745 Nm torque. The top speed of the EV is 240 km/h. The EV offers up to 500 L boot space. Interior quality, level of technology and equipment is in line with the premium price tag.

Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!

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PROS	CONS
Good pure electric range	Available in only one EV battery size
DC charging up to 195 kW. Three-phase (11 kW) onboard charger as standard	Not built on a dedicated EV platform
Premium quality and refined drive	Cheaper alternatives available

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The All-Electric BMW i7 Saloon (credit: BMW)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Body Type:	Saloon
Engine:	Electric
Available In India:	Yes

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Variants (1 Option)
BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport (from Rs 1.95 Cr)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 105.7 kWh
Charging:	195 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 34 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 10 hrs 30 mins)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	0g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1544
Width (mm):	1950
Length (mm):	5391
Wheelbase (mm):	3215
Turning Circle (m):	13.1
Boot Space (L):	500

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BMW i7 xDrive60
EV Battery Capacity:	105.7 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	590 – 625 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100 km):	19.6 – 18.4
Charging:	195 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 34 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 10 hrs 30 mins)
Top Speed:	240 km/h
0-100 km/h:	4.7 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	400
Max Power (hp):	544
Torque (Nm):	745
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	4
Unladen Weight-EU (kg):	2,715
Colours:	11
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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What Is A Heat Pump In Electric Cars?

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EV Heat Pump: The Basics
What is a heat pump in electric cars?	In conventional internal combustion engine (ICE), petrol and diesel vehicles, the energy (waste heat) generated from the engine (powertrain), is captured to re-use for heating the interior cabin of the vehicle. However, in pure electric cars, the heat generated (waste heat) from the electric drive (electric motor, inverter, on-board AC charger) and the onboard high-voltage EV battery is not as much, as the heat generated in conventional cars, and cannot be re-used on its own to provide sufficient cabin heating (electric cars are more efficient than petrol/ diesel cars). Therefore in EVs, the sources for capturing heat, also includes the outside air i.e. it is a multi-source heat pump system. This captured heat is re-used for the onboard EV battery management and also for heating the cabin interior, increasing the electric car efficiency and reducing the need to draw energy from the onboard EV battery. In general, a lithium-ion EV battery is less energy efficient during colder months (similar to the laptop or smartphone battery).
How does a heat pump increase electric range in colder winter months?	Electric cars that do not incorporate an onboard heat pump, rely on the energy of the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin of the electric car, further impacting the available e-range. In contrast, EVs with a heat pump, do not rely on the onboard EV battery to heat the cabin. Instead, the heat pump sources heat from multiple sources and releases energy-efficient heating into the cabin. Put another way, an electric car with a heat pump does not place any demand on the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin. There is ample real-world evidence to prove that electric cars with a heat pump offer longer electric range in winter months, compared to electric cars that do not incorporate a heat pump. The average improvement in range is between 10% to 20%.
How does a heat pump work in an electric car?	Step 1: naturally heated antifreeze is channelled into the heat pump evaporator, where the heat is transferred to the coolant circulating in the unit. The evaporator converts the coolant into gas (evaporation). Step 2: the gas is sucked into a compressor to increase the pressure of the gas. When air is compressed it increases its temperature. The gas temperature is increased to 80° C. Step 3: the compressed gas is transferred to a condenser, where the heat is transferred to water in the condenser. Step 4: the heat is then circulated to the interior cabin, while the gas is converted into liquid form, and is transferred back to the heat pump evaporator via an expansion valve. The cycle is then repeated.
Is a heat pump used only for heating?	No. A heat pump can also be used for cooling. As an example, the Audi Q7 EV uses the onboard heat pump for heating and cooling.
Does a heat pump come as standard in EVs?	Though some manufacturers offer the heat pump as standard, most offer it as an optional extra. We recommend purchasing the option.
Can a heat pump be installed in an electric car post delivery?	Usually it is not possible, given the complexity of installing a heat pump. So always order it at the time of purchase.
Are all heat pumps in electric cars the same?	No. There is a difference in technology, approach and efficiency achieved for different manufacturers. As an example, Hyundai and Kia claim to have one of the most efficient heat pumps, given the ability of their technology to dynamically choose the most appropriate heat source at a given moment. Hyundai claims the heat pump incorporated in the all-electric Hyundai Kona can improve the winter electric range up to 18%, significantly higher than the average improvement (10%).
Are there any other advantages offered by a heat pump in colder months?	Yes, you can pre-heat the electric vehicle (EV) via your mobile app before you commence your journey. This way you can have a toasty warm interior cabin on a cold winter day!

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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