There are few cars that typify the fleet industry more than the BMW 3-series, it’s elegant looks, excellent handling and range of fuel-efficient engines have made it one of the biggest-selling company cars here in the UK.
While the German car maker is infamous for its performance diesels, BMW set new standards for electric car technology when it launched the i3 in 2013, so it was only a matter of time before we started seeing the firms battery capabilities filter into the current model line-up.
Here is one of the first plug-in hybrids to join the range, the 330e, which combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 65kW electric battery. Together they produce a combined 252hp and 420Nm of torque, enabling the 330e to accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 140mph.
There’s a choice of three electric driving modes; Auto, Max and Save, the latter allows the battery range to be stored until you reach more urban environments, ideal if your commute to work involves a stretch of motorway which would otherwise significantly drain the battery. In Max mode the car switches to electric driving only up to speeds of 75mph and in Auto both the petrol and electric battery work in unison.
Regenerative technology is on hand to recharge the battery when braking and officially the car will travel 25 miles per charge, ideal for small urban commutes or city driving, a full charge will take just two hours using a fast-charging system, or 3.5 hours with a normal three-pin plug.
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