Does it work? Geofencing for plug-in BMWs
Going EV where it matters the most. BMW’s eDrive Zones feature makes it easier to share the clean-air benefits of your hybrid.
Does it work?
BMW claims its plug-in hybrids have some of the highest electric-only range on the market. So, to make use of that, it’s introduced a discreet bit of tech designed to help you maximise e-power where it matters most: built-up areas. Called eDrive Zones, it’s a simple addition to BMW’s OS7 infotainment, and essentially it activates electric mode for you. How? By using the car’s navigation system and a geofenced area. Geofencing is when an area is digitally marked with a border, and if you enter or leave the area it will trigger a change. In BMW’s case, the geofenced areas are city centres, usually where there are congestion or emissions charges in effect. When you drive your plug-in hybrid (such as the 530e we tested it on) into the zone the car will activate electric mode automatically.
Ford also uses a similar technology in its plug-in hybrid commercial vehicles, allowing delivery drivers, for example, to whizz through the city on zero-emission power.
If your journey starts further afield, but you’ve set a sat-nav route that will involve driving into an eDrive Zone, your BMW will keep in reserve the amount of e-range needed to drive through it on battery alone.
If you already own a BMW PHEV running OS7, you might need to update the software (a simple process: go to the apps menu, press the option button and select ‘update apps and services’) and the app will appear once the update is complete. If you select the app, you can see the full list of cities across Europe where this will activate. The UK has just two for now: London and Birmingham. We set a route from Peterborough to Piccadilly Circus in London’s West End and back, with hybrid drive mode engaged. Left to its own devices, a typical PHEV would use its e-power to supplement the engine throughout the trip, and would be down to minimal charge long before London. But the 530e was sparing on the motorway. Then, once we entered the zone, the electric drive mode showed up on the screen with a message saying ‘eDrive Zone triggered switch to electric’ to accompany it, with the digital dials changing to blue and power being restricted for inner-city driving. Easy.
Just don’t go expecting this to mean a discount on the congestion charge fee (£15, in London’s case). It’s more about reducing your carbon footprint, and diverting pollution away from densely populated areas, than saving you money.
Does it work?
Yes. The tech is seamless on new models and a simple software update on slightly older plug-in hybrid BMWs with OS7 infotainment. While it won’t save any money, there’s a feelgood factor in reducing urban emissions.
SMOOTH TRANSITIONS HOW IT WORKS
GIVE IT A REFRESH If you already own a BMW PHEV, it’s worth updating the system software. The eDrive Zone app will pop up on the list
GET A SITREP The app shows all 80 cities and urban areas with an eDrive Zone across Europe. Birmingham’s new Clean Air Zone is included
IT’S ALL GONE QUIET The car switches to EV automatically. If you have a route set and you’re charged, it’ll keep range in reserve