As BMW and MINI return for a second year of the EV Rally, Rachel McDermott from BMW Group explains how the event offers a unique platform to showcase the performance, innovation and real-world practicality of their all-electric line-up - as well as their growing focus on sustainability during the manufacturing process
This is second year that BMW and MINI will have participated in the EV Rally; what made you decide to get involved again this year?
The GREENFLEET EV Rally provides a good platform to highlight the impressive capabilities of our BMW and MINI all-electric model ranges while showcasing the practicality of everyday EV driving. We thoroughly enjoyed last year's journey, and we are excited for the chance to embark on the 1,500 mile, five-day trip once again!
What were your highlights from last year’s Rally?
Some of the standout moments from our trip included the positivity and team spirit of everyone participating in the Rally. We also had the opportunity to fully leverage the innovative technology features that BMW and MINI models offer, such as charge optimised route planning, which also allowed us to pre-plan our routes ahead of time via the MyBMW and MINI apps for convenience and optimum efficiency.
Did you learn anything on last year’s Rally that will help you this year?
Last year’s EV Rally validated how capable our electric model line-up is with technology that elevated the journey. With such long distances, we really appreciated the advanced driver assistance features such as Active Cruise Control, which automatically regulates the distance to the vehicle in front and maintains your speed, as well as lane keeping assist. While in the cabin, BMW and MINI Personal Assistant vitalised the team mood by adjusting in-car settings - an excellent feature when the playlist starts to repeat itself.
This year the focus is less on miles travelled and more on innovation and clean energy. How important is innovation and clean energy when it comes to the switch to EVs?
EV transition is not just about reducing tailpipe emissions, it's about re-imagining the whole system. Innovation and clean energy is critical during this transformative phase. BMW Group is actively working towards renewable energy during the manufacturing process worldwide, such as aiming to keep raw materials in the material cycle for as long as possible and incorporating battery recycling.
BMW & MINI are the Rally’s Vehicle Partner – what can drivers expect from your cars and how will the technology help them?
BMW and MINI have a breadth of innovative technology designed to enhance driving experience. Some of these include intelligent route planning that includes pre-planned charging stops, keeping entertained while parked up with video streaming and AirConsole on the integrated displays and the comfort of never losing your car keys with the BMW and MINI Digital Key Plus.
Please tell us about Teams BMW & MINI- who is driving and in what vehicles?
The BMW Corporate Sales team will form Team BMW and MINI, who will be connecting with some of the BMW Retailer network enroute. We will be equipped with the new BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport and the BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport. The new BMW iX delivers an impressive range of up to 426 miles* with a cabin that offers absolute luxury while the all-electric BMW i4 with its sporty Coupé silhouette brings five door practicality and a truly responsive BMW driving experience.
MINI will be out in full force, with our drivers running the all-electric MINI Aceman SE and the all-electric MINI Countryman SE. With up to 252 miles of range** and 1,005 litres of boot space with the seats folded down, the MINI Aceman SE is the choice for drivers looking for more than your average suit and tie ride. The MINI Countryman Electric SE, with up to 269 miles of range***, 313hp and ALL4 all-wheel drive, this Countryman means more than business as usual. Additional to its performance, the MINI Countryman has 1450 litres of boot space with the seats folded down, roof rails and the option of a tow bar.
Please tell us about BMW and MINI's own sustainability plans and progress?
Conserving resources is one of our main goals. Just like using raw materials as considerately, as often and as long as possible. Our vision is a circular economy. With respect for the world and good ideas for our sustainability. Our approach to car production is built upon 4 pillars – rethink, reuse, reduce and recycle. It’s about extending the value of our products, using fewer resources and returning materials back into the production loop, rather than disposing of them.
*The BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. The electric range figure shown was achieved using the WLTP test procedure and provided for comparability purposes. Only compare with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. This figure may not reflect real-life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. Whilst we recommend the battery for this vehicle is normally charged to 80% to help optimise the health and life of your battery, this WLTP figures was obtained after the battery had been charged to 100%.
** The all-electric MINI Aceman: Electric power consumption (WLTP combined): 3.8–4.4 miles/kWh; Official CO2-emissions (WLTP combined): 0 g/km; CO2-emissions class: A; Electric range (WLTP combined): 185 – 252 miles.
*** The all-electric MINI Countryman: Electric power consumption (WLTP combined): 3.4–3.9 miles/kWh; Official CO2-emissions (WLTP combined): 0 g/km; CO2-emissions class: A; Electric range (WLTP combined): 252–287 miles.