BMW may go electric

The world’s largest and most successful premium car manufacturer BMW, are considering launching an all electric vehicle, in its greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy.

BMW are considering the move in an effort to stave off increasing restrictions on urban traffic within the world’s major cities. The company will decide in a few months if will launch a battery-powered vehicle that will produce zero emissions. The concept has apparently already been proven to be feasible for mass production.

The company already has prototype hydrogen-powered versions of its top of the range 7 series. They are also working with Mercedes and General Motors in the development of hybrid models to complete with leader in this field, Toyota.

The German manufacturer’s hybrid will be launched in 2009, and is said to consume around 20% less fuel than their existing engines. In the US, BMW is trying to launch diesel versions of its vehicles onto the diesel resistant, American public.

BMW is on a high, with last year’s earnings of €3.87bn and record-breaking sales in excess of 1.5m vehicles, this despite the general economic downturn, particularly in the US market.