What happens if you don't charge a plug-in hybrid?

If you don't charge your plug-in hybrid, you can use the vehicle like a conventional petrol-powered vehicle. The electric motor will provide assistance when required and converts braking energy into electrical energy through recuperation, or energy recovery.

BMW Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV).

Flexible. Efficient. Powerful.

BMW X3 30e xDrive: Fuel consumption, combined WLTP in l/100 km^[1][3][4]: 1.1–0.9; CO2 emissions, combined WLTP in g/km^[1][3][4]: 26–21; Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km^[1][3][4]: 24–22.3; Electric range, WLTP in km^[1][2]: 81–90

Discover the practical world of BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles. They provide you with complete flexibility for everyday life and travel, thanks to their combination of electric motor and combustion engine. Find out more about the wealth of benefits offered by these innovative vehicles.

BMW Plug-in hybrid models.

- BMW 230e xDrive Active Tourer
- Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]
  83–88 km
- AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]
  2:30 hrs
- Discover now
- BMW 330e Sedan
- Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]
  49–57 km
- AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]
  2:25 hrs
- Discover now
- BMW 330e xDrive Touring
- Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]
  84–91 km
- AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]
  2:15 hrs
- Discover now
- BMW 530e Sedan
- Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]
  94–105 km
- AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]
  2:15 hrs
- Discover now
- BMW 530e Touring
- Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]
  87–98 km
- AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]
  2:15 hrs
- Discover now
- BMW M5 Limousine
- Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]
  63–69 km
- AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]
  2:15 hrs
- Discover now
- BMW M5 Touring
- Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]
  61–67 km
- AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]
  2:15 hrs
- Discover now
- BMW 750e xDrive Sedan
- Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]
  71–80 km
- AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]
  3:0 hrs
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- BMW M760e xDrive Sedan
- Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]
  70–78 km
- AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]
  3:0 hrs
- Discover now

Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]	83–88 km

AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]	2:30 hrs

Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]	49–57 km

AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]	2:25 hrs

Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]	84–91 km

AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]	2:15 hrs

Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]	94–105 km

AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]	2:15 hrs

Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]	87–98 km

AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]	2:15 hrs

Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]	63–69 km

AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]	2:15 hrs

Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]	61–67 km

AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]	2:15 hrs

Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]	71–80 km

AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]	3:0 hrs

Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]	70–78 km

AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]	3:0 hrs

- BMW X1 xDrive30e
- Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]
  77–85 km
- AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]
  2:30 hrs
- Discover now
- BMW X3 30e xDrive
- Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]
  81–90 km
- AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]
  2:15 hrs
- Discover now
- BMW X5 xDrive50e
- Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]
  88–104 km
- AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]
  3:0 hrs
- Discover now
- BMW XM
- Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]
  76–83 km
- AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]
  4:30 hrs
- Discover now

Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]	77–85 km

AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]	2:30 hrs

Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]	81–90 km

AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]	2:15 hrs

Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]	88–104 km

AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]	3:0 hrs

Electric Range (WLTP)^[2]	76–83 km

AC charging time (0-100% state of charge)^[5]	4:30 hrs

BMW 230e xDrive Active Tourer: Fuel consumption, combined WLTP in l/100 km^[1][3][4]: 0.9–0.8; CO2 emissions, combined WLTP in g/km^[1][3][4]: 20–19; Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km^[1][3][4]: 17–16.1; Electric range, WLTP in km^[1][2]: 83–88

BMW 330e Sedan: Fuel consumption, combined WLTP in l/100 km^[1][3][4]: 1.9–1.4; CO2 emissions, combined WLTP in g/km^[1][3][4]: 43–32; Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km^[1][3][4]: 20.1–18.1; Electric range, WLTP in km^[1][2]: 49–57

BMW 330e xDrive Touring: Fuel consumption, combined WLTP in l/100 km^[1][3][4]: 1.2–1; CO2 emissions, combined WLTP in g/km^[1][3][4]: 26–23; Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km^[1][3][4]: 24.4–22.9; Electric range, WLTP in km^[1][2]: 84–91

BMW 530e Sedan: Fuel consumption, combined WLTP in l/100 km^[1][3][4]: 0.8–0.6; CO2 emissions, combined WLTP in g/km^[1][3][4]: 17–13; Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km^[1][3][4]: 21.3–19.5; Electric range, WLTP in km^[1][2]: 94–105

BMW 530e Touring: Fuel consumption, combined WLTP in l/100 km^[1][3][4]: 0.9–0.7; CO2 emissions, combined WLTP in g/km^[1][3][4]: 21–16; Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km^[1][3][4]: 22.5–20.5; Electric range, WLTP in km^[1][2]: 87–98

BMW M5 Limousine: Fuel consumption, combined WLTP in l/100 km^[1][3][4]: 1.9–1.6; CO2 emissions, combined WLTP in g/km^[1][3][4]: 43–36; Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km^[1][3][4]: 26.8–25; Electric range, WLTP in km^[1][2]: 63–69

BMW M5 Touring: Fuel consumption, combined WLTP in l/100 km^[1][3][4]: 2–1.7; CO2 emissions, combined WLTP in g/km^[1][3][4]: 45–39; Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km^[1][3][4]: 27.6–25.7; Electric range, WLTP in km^[1][2]: 61–67

BMW 750e xDrive Sedan: Fuel consumption, combined WLTP in l/100 km^[1][3][4]: 1.6–1; CO2 emissions, combined WLTP in g/km^[1][3][4]: 37–23; Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km^[1][3][4]: 26.3–22.9; Electric range, WLTP in km^[1][2]: 71–80

BMW M760e xDrive Sedan: Fuel consumption, combined WLTP in l/100 km^[1][3][4]: 1.4–1.1; CO2 emissions, combined WLTP in g/km^[1][3][4]: 31–25; Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km^[1][3][4]: 26.1–23.4; Electric range, WLTP in km^[1][2]: 70–78

BMW X1 xDrive30e: Fuel consumption, combined WLTP in l/100 km^[1][3][4]: 0.9–0.7; CO2 emissions, combined WLTP in g/km^[1][3][4]: 21–16; Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km^[1][3][4]: 18.2–16.8; Electric range, WLTP in km^[1][2]: 77–85

BMW X5 xDrive50e: Fuel consumption, combined WLTP in l/100 km^[1][3][4]: 1.2–0.8; CO2 emissions, combined WLTP in g/km^[1][3][4]: 28–19; Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km^[1][3][4]: 30.7–26.3; Electric range, WLTP in km^[1][2]: 88–104

BMW XM: Fuel consumption, combined WLTP in l/100 km^[1][3][4]: 1.9–1.5; CO2 emissions, combined WLTP in g/km^[1][3][4]: 43–35; Energy consumption, combined WLTP in kWh/100 km^[1][3][4]: 33.5–32.4; Electric range, WLTP in km^[1][2]: 76–83

The best of both worlds.

BMW X plug-in hybrids combine efficiency and power with an electric range long enough to meet your day-to-day requirements. Plus, a powerful drive designed to cope with all your driving challenges. Discover our SUV models, like the BMW X3, X1 and X5, and benefit from the efficiency of powerful hybrid cars.
It's up to you: an elegant sedan or a practical tourer. BMW 3 Series and 5 Series hybrid models are also synonymous with efficiency and dynamics. Comfort meets environmental awareness.
Both used and new vehicles. When buying or leasing your BMW plug-in hybrid, you're guaranteed to always find the right solutions and offers to meet your individual needs and preferences.

Find your BMW plug-in hybrid.

Your new BMW plug-in hybrid.

Find available BMW models and buy or lease your BMW directly online. Fully electric cars and plug-in-hybrids. For example, the BMW 330e Sedan or the BMW XM. There are many offers to choose from.

Flexible. Intelligent. BMW hybrid.

Complete flexibility.

Conveniently charge your vehicle throughout Europe within one of the largest charging networks. Cover distances of up to 100 kilometres emission-free by using the electric motor. The combustion engine automatically kicks in when you need it to.

Recover energy when coasting or braking.

Your vehicle regenerates energy when you brake or take your foot off the accelerator. This, in turn, converts kinetic energy into electricity, which charges your battery and increases the range of the plug-in hybrid.

BMW plug-in hybrid battery optimisation and comfort

Battery optimisation and convenience.

Precisely set the temperature inside your car in advance. Preconditioning your stationary vehicle is a practical feature, both in summer and in winter. You and your passengers will benefit from enhanced comfort in the vehicle at the start of your journey.

How plug-in hybrids work.

Plug-in hybrid cars have two drives: a combustion engine and an electric motor. They power the hybrid car individually or together. The battery can be charged externally, just like a fully electric car. However, the battery is also charged while you drive, for instance when you brake, as the electric motor acts as a generator.

The benefits of hybrid vehicles.

Lower emissions.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles are more environmentally friendly than conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. They cover distances of up to 100 km purely on electricity, and are thus locally emission-free, reducing your carbon footprint on the road.

Long range.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles adapt to your everyday life. If the fully electric range is insufficient for your journey, then the combustion engine automatically kicks in. This makes plug-in hybrids more flexible on longer journeys and independent of the regional charging infrastructure.

Convenient electric car charging at home.

Simply and easily charge a plug-in hybrid vehicle at home, just like an all-electric car. Clearly this is practical, at the same time saving costs and CO2 emissions compared to a combustion engine vehicle. So now you can simply and conveniently enjoy the benefits of environmentally-conscious mobility.

Efficient charging for plug-in hybrids.

Flexible. Charge when travelling throughout Europe.

Quickly charge at any time on the go. With the optional (mode 3) charging cable. Charge your plug-in hybrid at public charging stations across Europe. Do your errands while your vehicle is charging. Many supermarkets, restaurants and public car parks now have charging stations. So now you can enjoy the benefits of your electric drive wherever you happen to be.

Practical. Simply charge at home.

Simply and easily charge your plug-in hybrid vehicle at home, just like a fully electric car. The BMW Wallbox is the intelligent charging solution for your home. Or connect your vehicle to your domestic socket outlet with the BMW Flexible Charger. Charge your hybrid car regularly to enjoy the benefits of fully electric driving in everyday life.

Frequently asked questions.

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) combines a combustion engine, an electric motor, and a high-voltage battery – giving you the best of all worlds. So, you reduce your fuel consumption and local CO2 emissions. These two systems work in harmony to deliver additional performance and more powerful acceleration.

A plug-in hybrid can be charged at a power socket, home wallbox, or public charging station. Plug-in hybrids are at their most efficient with a well-charged battery, and so you should ideally make sure that you have access to a charger at home or at other destinations you visit frequently, such as at your place of work.

With a full battery, the fully electric range can be up to 110 kilometres^[1] with the BMW X5 xDrive50e or up to 102 kilometres^[1] with the BMW 530e sedan. During recuperation, or regenerative braking – i.e., whenever you take your foot off the accelerator – kinetic energy is converted into electricity and is stored in the battery, extending your electric range.

BMW wants to give customers a choice by being open to technology. BMW therefore offers a wide range of plug-in hybrid cars to enable customers to consciously opt for this extremely efficient drive system.

A plug-in hybrid car is ideal for drivers looking for maximum versatility. On the one hand, it has an electric drive for everyday driving, such as cost-effective and sustainable commuting to work. A fully electric drive is ideal for regular medium-length commutes. On the other hand, these vehicles offer long range and flexibility for long distances, such as weekend trips.

^[1] Range is dependent on different factors, including personal driving style, the type of route, outside temperature, heating/air conditioning, preconditioning.

Mild hybrids are internal combustion engine vehicles that are complemented by an electric motor. Braking generates electrical energy that supports the internal combustion engine and the electrical systems of the vehicle. While plug-in hybrids are designed for high-voltage technology, mild hybrids have a 48 V vehicle electrical system. Electric driving is usually not possible. The power of a mild hybrid's electric motor is comparatively low. However, its driving dynamics are sportier and its acceleration more powerful. In many situations, the vehicle is able to coast without consuming energy. Coasting reduces consumption. Unlike plug-in hybrid vehicles, the battery of a mild hybrid is only charged by the electric motor as a generator. Often, the electric motor alone is enough for BMW plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models to cope with inner-city traffic. However, their range is dependent on different factors: in particular, a person's driving style, the characteristics of the route and outside temperature, as well as heating/air conditioning and pre-temperature setting.

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has both a combustion engine and an electric motor. Plug-in hybrid cars are driven by an electric motor. Their high-voltage battery is charged via an external power source, for example a public charging station or via a BMW Wallbox at home. When the high-voltage battery is empty, the vehicle switches automatically to its combustion engine, which then powers the vehicle.

One of the benefits of a plug-in hybrid is that you can drive fully electrically, quietly, and emission-free. Significantly lower your fuel consumption by regularly charging with electricity.

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is worthwhile if you actually use its electric drive, which then allows you to drive locally emission-free. With their high proportion of electric driving, plug-in hybrids are significantly more environmentally friendly than pure diesel or petrol vehicles. The battery is constantly recharged to some extent through recuperation (brake energy regeneration). You therefore need to charge a plug-in hybrid car regularly to use its electric drive as often as possible. Many plug-in hybrid electric vehicles now have a range of over 100 km and so are ideal for both urban and rural driving. If you are the sort of person who tends to worry about your range when travelling, you'll feel much more relaxed with a hybrid and can use its combustion engine for longer journeys.

BMW plug-in hybrid electric alternatives

The fully electric alternative.

Drive dynamically, comfortably, and locally emission-free. Our fully electric cars boast state-of-the-art drive technology, practical charging options, and a long range. You, in turn, benefit from low service costs compared to a combustion engine car.

The cost of an electric car.

What does it cost to charge an electric car? Save money with lower service costs and lower taxes. Are there subsidies or incentives for electric cars? Find out if an electric car makes sense for you.

More information.

Test drive the BMW model of your choice.

Would you like to experience for yourself how your ideal electric model drives and feels? Simply arrange an online appointment for a test drive when it suits you. Your local BMW partner will contact you with all the information you need.

Book a test drive

Would you like a personal consultation?

Please contact your local BMW dealership with any questions or for more information or a quotation. Our professional BMW service personnel will be happy to advise you by phone or in person.

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BMW customer support.

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BMW Online Genius can help.

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Consumption and CO2 emissions.

^[1] Official data for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, power consumption and electric range was determined in accordance with the prescribed measuring procedure and corresponds to European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the applicable version. For ranges, data determined as per WLTP takes into account any optional equipment (available on the German market in this case). For vehicles that have been newly type approved since 1 January 2021, only the official data according to WLTP exists. In addition, NEDC values are deleted from the certificates of conformity as of 1 January 2023 by EC regulation 2022/195. For more information about NEDC and WLTP measuring procedures visit www.bmw.com/wltp

Further information about fuel consumption and official model-specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars can be found in the "Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption for new passenger cars", available free of charge at all points of sale, at the Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen, Germany, and under https://www.dat.de/co2/.

^[2] Range depends on various factors, in particular: individual driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, heating/air conditioning, pre-conditioning.

^[3] Performance data of petrol engines apply to vehicles using RON 98 fuel. Fuel consumption data apply to vehicles using reference fuels in accordance with EU Regulation 715/2007. Unleaded RON 91 and higher with a maximum ethanol content of 10% (E10) may also be used. BMW recommends RON 95 fuel. For high-performance automobiles, BMW recommends RON 98 fuel.

^[4] For plug-in hybrid: Weighted, combined (EC AC Charge Weighted)

^[5] The charging performance depends on the state of charge, ambient temperature, individual driving profile and use of auxiliary consumers. The ranges shown are based on the WLTP best case. The charging times apply to ambient temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius after a preceding drive and may differ depending on the usage behaviour. At temperatures below freezing, the fully electric drive system is only available after a few kilometres of driving, once the battery has heated to operational temperature.

^[6] The recharged range in km after 10 minutes of High-Power-Charging was determined according to DIN70080 in the WLTP cycle. It depends on the vehicle equipment, individual driving profile, ambient temperature, charging status and the use of additional consumers.

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BMW Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV).

BMW Plug-in hybrid models.

BMW 230e xDrive Active Tourer

BMW 330e Sedan

BMW 330e xDrive Touring

BMW 530e Sedan

BMW 530e Touring

BMW M5 Limousine

BMW M5 Touring

BMW 750e xDrive Sedan

BMW M760e xDrive Sedan

BMW X1 xDrive30e

BMW X3 30e xDrive

BMW X5 xDrive50e

BMW XM