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Though Not a Hybrid, New BMW 5-Series to Have Regenerative Braking |
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Written by Kacey Green
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Monday, 15 January 2007 |
 Jalopinik reports: 1/12
I'm glad BMW is trying to reduce the environmental impact of their products. GM and Dodge previously labeled their contractor special trucks with this same technology as hybrids. Its good to see BMW doesn't label everything with advanced electronics as a hybrid. Many hybrid enthusiasts criticized the two companies for this practice. This technology should really just be called idle-stop with regenerative braking, not hybrid, because the electrical path never powers the wheels directly or even assists in moving the vehicle. This kind of electrical system allows the manufacturer to use more electrical accessories while reducing the parasitic load of the alternator on the engine. The reduced load means that the engine can output more power, more efficiently. BMW is also working with other technologies and methods such as: low rolling resistance tires and aerodynamics.
Was ist das? A non-hybrid with a regenerative braking system. Yes, BMW's latest 5-Series sports an intelligent alternator that uses energy collected during braking to charge the battery. Not your regular Die Hard, this battery is a quick-charge glass mat, a new construction using saturated absorbent glass (boron silicate) mats between the plates rather than gel or liquid electrolyte. The system translates to a three percent decrease in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. It's part of a new push at BMW to employ fuel-saving tech like low-resistance tires, start-stop systems and aerodynamics. Trickle-down hybridnomics? We'll take it.
Kacey Green
www.GRLT.com. www.FLhybrid.com
"Tech with a twist of lime!", "Promoting the spread of clean personal transportation technologies."
Edit: 1/16 The titile used to read breaking, but I corrected the spelling. Though the engine does get a break when it turns off for auto stop.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 16 January 2007 )
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