BMW Vision plug-in hybrid headed to production

BMW's hybrid monster

BMW has given the go ahead to the Vision plug-in hybrid. According to early reports, BMW will produce about 5,000 - 10,000 Vision plug-ins per year.

The final design will require more solid structure and less glass, but the basic vision of BMW's latest hybrid concept will move forward. That means a 3-cylinder diesel engine range extender, 2 electric motors and a new lithium-polymer battery pack. Combined the new hybrid drive will produce 356 horsepower and well under 5 second 0 to 60 times.

Hybrid Leadership: Why not from BMW?

BMW's Efficient Dynamics Vision plug-in hybrid

On the eve of press days for the LA Auto Show, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger used a press conference to push his - and California's - vision of a new, cleaner and greener future.

And what better vision forward than the BMW Vision plug-in hybrid? 31 miles of EV range coupled with a total range of 431 miles sounds like a smart vision forward for BMW.

Obviously, the Vision is not a car for the masses. BMWs aren't cars far the masses. In fact, the Vision will probably never become a reality, however, its plug-in hybrid architecture sure could.

Still, it's BMW, right? What do they care about fuel economy?

Well, surprisingly, BMW's fleet is actually significantly more fuel efficient than any Big 3 fleet.

Besides, plug-in vehicles are going to be expensive to start, so BMW plug-in hybrids seem like a perfect fit. In fact, any BMW hybrid seem a very smart move. Inevitably, if people are going to spend a lot of money buying BMW vehicles over the next decade, what's wrong with making as many of those sales as possible hybrid sales?