Fully Electric Cars Could Constitute Up to 23% of Sales; Powertrain Modularity to be the Key to a Sustainable Transition
This study outlines the powertrain strategies of BMW AG for the next decade. An analysis of advancements in combustion engine technology, transmission technology, hybrid and electric propulsion strategies, and lightweighting approaches has been included in the research. This study gives a comprehensive picture of the kind of transformation the company will be undergoing in terms of its powertrain technologies as it prepares to cater to the next level of emission targets, testing cycles, while at the same time, addressing evolving customer demands.
A few strategic findings are discussed below:
- BMW feels that diesel will remain very important to their vehicle offering for the next 20 years. However, the aggressive electrification plan could play a significant role in making BMW diesels less favorable to the market.
- BMW’s continued focus on diesel engine development is backed by its high efficiency aftertreatment system which is a combination of NOx storage catalyst and selective catalytic reduction, enabling RDE compliance.
- Effective combustion, emission advantages, performance improvement and parts standardization are the prime reasons why BMW will standardize 500 cc displacement for 3-cylinder, 4-cylinder, and straight six engines.
- BMW has a basket of right sized engines, particularly up to 3L. The next step in optimizing cylinder displaced volumes or energy efficiency will revolve around better fuel injection and 48V based systems.
Research Scope
- Technology: Engine Downsizing, Turbocharging, Direct Injection Gasoline Systems
- Application: Powertrain and Emissions, Engine Technologies, Gasoline, Diesel and EV Technologies, CO2 Reduction
- Regions: North America, Europe, China, Japan
Key Features
Aim: To understand the powertrain strategies of BMW AG, to examine their road map to compliance, and evaluate the importance and future of each propulsion type: gasoline, diesel, hybrid, fully electric, and fuel cells.
Objectives:
- To understand the various approaches to platform standardization and modularity in BMW powertrains
- To understand the new BMW platforms strategy to analyze how BMW plans a product portfolio revamp leveraging powertrain and vehicle modularity
- To evaluate the roadmap of different powertrain technologies at BMW
- To evaluate the electrification strategy and develop forecast for electric propulsion
- To understand the preference for particular fuel types and propulsions systems for BMW for reducing overall emissions while increasing sales volumes
- To examine the various transmission choices at BMW and compare their role in BMW powertrains in the future
- To understand the various risks involved and provide actionable set of recommendations.
Key Issues Addressed
- What is the future of diesel engines at BMW? What are the plans for RDE compliance and how will this technology evolve?
- How big a role does modularity of powertrain systems play in reducing the overall CO2 emissions and improving fuel economy for BMW?
- What further steps will lead to electrification at BMW? How does the company plan to achieve the tall targets it has set for electrification?
- What is the future of various powertrain systems and engine families at BMW and what key technology changes are to be expected?
- How is the transmission strategy going to evolve? What preference does BMW have for torque converter or dual clutch transmission?
Table of Contents
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- BMW
