The Chevy Volt may soon have some competition. This week, both BMW and Jaguar have announced intentions to produce and sell plug-in hybrid models. Each of these models will be based on an extended-range platform, as the Volt is. So, how will they compare?
First, in terms of all electric range, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt wins with 40 miles. BMW’s Vision EfficientDynamics sports coupe is quoted at a 31-mile all electric range. Jaguar hasn’t yet specified the all-electric range of its future electric XJ luxury sedan.
BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show
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2011 Jaguar XJ
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BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show
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2010 Fisker Karma S Concept
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Fuel efficiency
For fuel efficiency in charge-sustaining mode, BMW’s Efficient Dynamics coupe may be the victor. Of course, we know that real-world driving of plug-in hybrids will produce varying mileage, depending on their duty cycles. And I’ve found EPA estimates of hybrid fuel efficiency to be lower than what I’m usually able to achieve.
That said, BMW’s series hybrid is expected to achieve 60 mpg in charge-sustaining mode, the Chevy Volt will get 50 mpg, and Jaguar’s Electric XJ is expted to get 47 mpg.
Power
Full details on power haven’t yet been released for the 2011 Chevy Volt or Jaguar Electric XJ, but the BMW series hybrid looks to be a serious electric muscle machine. It’s said to travel from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds, with 356 horsepower and 590 pounds of torque.
This may be the real difference between BMW and at least one of the other two plug-in hybrid vehicles. The 2011 Chevy Volt is intended as a compact sedan, and the Jaguar Electric XJ will be a luxury sedan. But the BMW Vision Sports Coupe is packaged as an electric hot-rod.
That may make it more of a competitor to the 2011 Fisker Karma, the sporty plug-in hybrid sedan that’s expected to have a 50-mile all electric range, do 0-60 in less than 6 seconds, and achieve an overall 67 mpg.
No specifics on power for the 2011 Karma either, but the Karma has two modes: Stealth Drive (“quiet economy mode for optimal relaxed and efficient driving” and Sport Drive (for access to the full power of the vehicle).
Sex appeal
In terms of sex appeal and design, the Fisker Karma and the BMW Vision Sports Coupe are definitely close competitors. The Karma’s curves and the butterfly doors of the BMW series hybrid are simply killer.
The Volt design is certainly a head-turner as well, but if it’s an exact replica of the current 2011 Jaguar XJ, the Electric XJ may not stand out in the same way.
Details, more or less
The Chevy Volt wins in terms of near-term availability (Chevrolet has pledged to get it into the first dealers before the end of 2010) and perhaps price (rumored to be $40,000). The Fisker Karma is also expected at the end of the year, with a higher price (approx. $80,000).
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Source: greencarrepors.com
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