SAN DONATO MILANESE (MILANO) (ITALPRESS) – The new BMW iX3 demonstrates the approach of the Group of the blue propeller in implementing a holistic strategy for product sustainability along the entire life cycle. During the development of the product, extensive measures have been implemented throughout the supply chain, in the phases of production and use, with an explicit focus on resource conservation and the reduction of the environmental impact of the model. In this way, Neue Klasse is an important milestone in achieving the company’s CO2e objectives for 2030 and 2050.
Extensive decarbonization measures in the supply chain translate into an early tie point: when recharged with electricity from the European energy mix, the CO2e footprint of the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive is lower than that of a comparable model with combustion engine after about 21,500 kilometers (WLTP combined). When recharged exclusively with electricity from renewable sources, the BMW iX3 50 xDrive exceeds the comparable ICE model after only 17,500 kilometers (WLTP combined), allowing customers to potentially gain a CO2e advantage in just a year.
The key levers to reduce CO2e emissions in the supply chain are the use of secondary materials and renewable energy, together with product and process innovations. This combination of measures has led to a decrease in CO2e emissions in the supply chain of 35% during product development. BMW iX3 High Voltage Storage System Gen6 Battery Cells are composed for 50% by cobalt, lithium and nickel secondary materials. In addition, renewable energy is used in the production of anodic and cathode materials. This is how CO2e per wattora emissions were reduced by 42% compared to the Gen5 cells of the previous model.
The BMW Group is increasingly focused on the use of innovative and secondary materials in other components. For example, 30% of the secondary raw material used for the engine compartment cover and the storage compartment under the front door is recycled marine plastic. This post-consumption material consists of old fishing nets and ropes, preventing these materials from being potentially discharged into the ocean. The secondary aluminum represents 80% of wheel and bearing supports, as well as 70% of die-cast aluminium rims.
The BMW Group has consistently applied the ‘Design for Circularity’ approach to the development of the BMW iX3. The approach is based on the concepts of secondary first (priority use of secondary materials), strategic selection of materials and optimization of disassembly. As a result, secondary materials represent a third of all the materials used in the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive. An example of implementation of these three concepts is the covering of the Econeer seat, available in the Essential version of the interior, whose fabric, adhesive and padding are all made of PET. This mono-material choice increases recyclability. Also, the textile yarn used is made entirely of recycled PET. Other components whose development followed the ‘Design for Circularity’ approach include the central console, dashboard and inner floor covering.
BMW EfficientDynamics involves the consistent identification and exploitation of efficiency potential in all vehicle subsystems. By applying this approach, the energy consumption of the new BMW iX3 is less than 20% compared to the previous model (combined WLTP). This significant improvement is mainly based on optimized aerodynamic properties, reduced rolling resistance and onboard energy consumption, as well as the unparalleled combination of efficiency and traction dynamics.
Designed and built according to BMW iFactory principles, the new BMW Group plant in Debrecen, Hungary, is fully focused on efficiency, digitization and sustainability. It is the first BMW Group car factory operating and producing vehicles without using fossil fuels, such as oil and gas, under normal operating conditions. The only source of energy to fuel site operations is electricity. According to current planning, up to 25% of the annual electrical requirements of the plant can be covered by the photovoltaic system located on site. The remaining electricity is obtained from other renewable energy sources. Excess solar energy is stored in a thermal storage unit and used to heat the body ovens according to need. Only 0.1 tons of CO2e are issued in the production of a BMW iX3, about two thirds less than the production in other BMW Group plants.
The BMW Group’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and the achievement of Net Zero by 2050 or earlier is an integral part of the global approach to 360° sustainability embedded in the business strategy. The company pursues ambitious objectives of CO2e scientifically derived for the coming years. For example, the BMW Group intends to reduce its CO2 emissions by at least 40 million tonnes in 2030 (baseline: 2019).
– photos: Bmw Group Italia press office –
(ITALPRESS).
