BMW iX3 Completes Over 1,000 km Drive Without Recharging, But With Extreme Efficiency Measures

In a new experiment, six BMW employees drove the latest BMW iX3 from Debrecen, Hungary, where the vehicle is manufactured, to BMW’s headquarters in Munich, Germany. The journey, spanning over 1,000 km, was carefully planned to maximise efficiency and avoid the need for a charging stop.

To achieve this feat, the team avoided highways, traffic lights, and stop-and-go traffic as much as possible. The route, which was extended to 1,007 km to surpass the 1,000 km milestone, passed through key cities such as Budapest, Vienna, St. Poelten, Steyr, and Landshut, which are the locations significant to the iX3’s development and BMW’s manufacturing network.

Throughout the drive, the team adopted several extreme efficiency measures. They minimised the use of headlights, completely avoided air conditioning and radio, and focused on maintaining momentum, even gliding through roundabouts to reduce energy loss.

Upon reaching Munich, the iX3 still had around 20 km of range remaining, highlighting the vehicle’s potential for long-distance travel when driven with efficiency as the top priority. However, the experiment also highlights the difference between controlled, optimised tests and real-world usage, where drivers are unlikely to forgo basic amenities or strictly adhere to efficiency-focused routes.

One of the most common criticisms of electric vehicles (EVs) compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars is the need to stop for charging on long journeys. BMW has attempted to challenge this perception by demonstrating that, under certain conditions, an EV can cover large distances without needing to recharge.

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