BMW says its upcoming all-electric iX5 could achieve a carbon dioxide advantage over the conventional X5 within one to two years under ideal conditions. The automaker says the timeline depends on annual driving distance and the source of electricity used for charging, with renewable energy helping the electric SUV reach its CO2 breakeven point sooner.
BMW Outlines CO2 Breakeven for the iX5
BMW previously said the iX3 would achieve a CO2 advantage over the conventional X3 after 21,500 kilometers (13,359 miles). According to the company, when the Neue Klasse SUV is charged exclusively with renewable energy, that point is reached after 17,500 kilometers (10,873 miles).
BMW now says the larger iX5 follows a similar pattern. Under ideal conditions, the company believes the iX5 will become more CO2-efficient than the X5 after only one or two years, depending on annual mileage and the electricity used for charging.
According to BMW, higher annual mileage and greater use of renewable electricity shorten the time needed for the electric SUV to reach its CO2 advantage.
iX5 60 xDrive Becomes BMW’s Heaviest Production Model
The company’s statement applies to the iX5 60 xDrive, the only electric version of the “G65” available at launch.
In European specification, the iX5 has a curb weight of 2,825 kilograms (6,223 pounds), making it BMW’s heaviest model ever outside of its armored vehicles. It exceeds the weight of other large BMW models, including the i7 M70 and XM Label.
Much of that weight comes from its 141-kWh battery pack.
Secondary Raw Materials Reduce Environmental Impact
BMW says approximately one-third of the iX5’s total weight, or 940 kilograms (2,073 pounds), is made from secondary raw materials.
The company says that if the vehicle is driven under favorable conditions and charged with renewable electricity, it is mathematically possible for the iX5 to achieve a CO2 advantage over the X5 within 24 months or sooner.
BMW acknowledges that a 2.8-ton SUV will not eliminate its environmental impact, but says it is working to reduce the vehicle’s overall carbon footprint.
BMW Also Focuses on Existing Vehicles
BMW says its efforts extend beyond newly built electric vehicles and include reducing emissions from cars already on the road.
For diesel-powered models, the company is promoting HVO100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), produced from cooking oil and animal fats, as an alternative fuel with the potential to reduce emissions by as much as 90%.
For gasoline-powered vehicles, BMW is working with Toyota to trial Repsol’s Nexa 95 renewable fuel in Spain.
Through these initiatives, BMW says it is pursuing multiple approaches to lowering the environmental impact of its vehicle lineup, both for future models and for vehicles already in service.
