BMW’s New iX Model: Road Trip Ready
BMW has unveiled an updated model of its iX electric vehicle, promising enhancements that could make it the perfect companion for long road trips.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the 2025 BMW iX can travel up to 324 miles on a single charge. The new 2026 model boasts a larger battery, with InsideEVs estimating a range of up to 340 miles on a single charge. This extended range puts the iX in direct competition with the distance capabilities of many gas-powered vehicles.
On average, electric vehicles currently offer a range of 200-250 miles per charge. However, factors such as battery size, weather conditions, and driving habits can significantly impact this figure. With ongoing improvements, electric vehicles like the iX are steadily closing the gap with gas-powered cars in terms of range efficiency.
The Economic and Environmental Advantages of EVs
The appeal of electric vehicles extends beyond their improving range. They also present significant economic and environmental benefits. Gas-powered cars typically cost more to fuel. For instance, the Natural Resources Defense Council reported that in 2018, the average annual cost to fuel a gas-powered vehicle was $1,117. In stark contrast, the average yearly cost to charge an electric vehicle was $485.
Furthermore, electric vehicles require considerably less maintenance than their gas-powered counterparts. The elimination of oil changes and other fluid maintenance contributes to lower overall ownership costs.
While the manufacturing process of electric vehicles, particularly the production of their large lithium batteries, does have an environmental footprint due to the mining of raw materials, the long-term environmental impact favors electric vehicles. A study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that gasoline cars emit more than 350 grams of CO2 per mile over their lifetimes, compared to only 200 grams for fully battery-electric cars.
Expert Insights on EVs
Sergey Paltsev, Deputy Director of the MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change, addressed this issue.
“We shouldn’t claim victory that with this switch to electric cars, problem solved, we are going to have zero emissions. No, that’s not the case. But electric cars are actually much, much better in terms of the impact on the climate in comparison to internal combustion vehicles. And in time, that comparative advantage of electric cars is going to grow,” he said.
