BMW & MINI dealership to carry full PHEV range

ATL Autobahn Limited, the exclusive importer for BMW and MINI in Jamaica, announced that it has officially acquired its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) certification. The addition of the PHEV line will introduce 16 new vehicle options to the range.

BMW’s plug-in hybrid range serves as a gateway to electric mobility, allowing customers to alternate between an all-electric, emission-free mode and petrol drive. The PHEV distinctly operates with a larger lithium-ion battery that is rechargeable from an external source by way of a plug-in cable.

The powertrain in the plug-in hybrid models is particularly suitable for those, like city dwellers, whose daily mileage mostly remains within the all-electric range, but who appreciate the flexibility of being able to undertake the odd long-distance trip to the country. BMW plug-in hybrid models have an all-electric WLTP range in excess of 50 kilometres, which can be maximised for the everyday commute. One of the chief benefits to owning a plug-in hybrid is the use of electric power in urban areas, which aids in protecting the environment by reducing harmful emissions and traffic noise.

The charging time for a BMW PHEV model may range from a little over two hours to six with a BMW Wallbox (3.7 kW) or from four hours to 10 with a household outlet (2.3 kW), which is provided by the dealer on purchase. The longer charge time is dependent on the vehicle’s battery energy content.

“BMW has always valued Jamaica as an area of opportunity. As a culture, we tend to be innovators, and at the dealership, we understand the importance of adapting and catering to the growing minds and needs of our customers,” said Head of Business at ATL Autobahn Sloane Jackson. The result is a collaborative effort between the automotive manufacturer and importer to propel the industry even further in Jamaica.

While the official PHEV certification was achieved in August of this year, ATL Autobahn originally introduced the product line in late 2018 with the BMW 330e and in January 2019, with the MINI Cooper S E Countryman. According to Jackson: “In our preliminary talks with our manufacturers, we were eager to order units from both BMW and MINI PHEV lines as we strongly believed they would offer the best of both worlds without compromising the essence of the brands that customers thoroughly enjoy. However, we also had to think practically and not allow our enthusiasm to blind us from the realities of the marketplace. We discussed the limitations that existed at the time such as readily available charging stations, and what we determined was there was more interest and opportunity than there were obstacles.” To assess how the public would receive the plug-in hybrid models further, “we launched the MINI Cooper S E Countryman in partnership with JPS and the Jamaica Institute of Environmental Professionals. The event went well as the format allowed attendees to have an open discussion on PHEVs, address the ‘but are we ready’ mindset, and show the many benefits to its ownership,” explained Jackson. The head of business continued to note the various developments since launching in January 2019, stating: “JPS has notably revealed its plans to roll out a host of charging stations across the island within the next year, with one of our first installations located next to the dealership at the AC Hotel. The units we ordered were sold shortly after the launch event, which, above all, showed us Jamaica’s interest in evolving with the BMW and MINI brands,” said Jackson.