Today the transition to electric dominates the automotive scene. A process to which manufacturers as powerful as BMW have strongly joined. Which came to inaugurate its BMWi division in 2011. Aimed at developing electrical technology within the brand, its main mission is to give visibility to iconic models with which to illustrate how seriously the German house is with the new times. In fact, in 2013 it launched its i3 and, just a year later, finished off the game with the presentation of the i8. Two very different models but, at the same time, quite interesting.
Not surprisingly, while the first represented a refined commitment to electric mobility in cities, the second gave the green light to the appearance of hybrid supercars. Undoubtedly, a brilliant publicity bet. Clearly announcing not only the electrical design potential exercised by BMW, but also the seduction capacity deposited in these futuristic models. So things, the Bavarian house conveniently paved the way for the transfer of electrical technology towards the rest of its range, being today an absolutely normalized fact.
However, the truth is that the use of electric propulsion in BMW does not go back just a decade ago. Far from it, in 1972 he was already showing signs of this. Examples of this were the two units of the BMW 1602 prototype ready for the Munich Olympics. An appointment in which they were used as assistance cars in the marathon test, evidencing the possible urban use that electric cars could have already begun to have from that moment. What's more, that was not an isolated event despite going back half a century in time.
In this sense, the concern for the design of small urban electric cars was also present in brands such as FIAT. Something very well exemplified by the 126 Urban Vettura. The prototype signed by Michelotti in 1976 and which, with its futuristic lines as a miniature minivan, gave continuity to the X1/23. One of the most exotic and interesting experiments in the history of the Italian house. Powered in 1972 by a small 13,5 CV electric motor designed for the crowded traffic of historic cities.
In addition, Renault also tested electrical formulas with its R5 during those years. A series of experiments that, already in the eighties, Audi finished off with the duo. A hybrid design made on the basis of a 100 C3 station wagon and which, to this day, It is still a display of intelligence by combining electricity and combustion depending on whether you were driving in the city or on the highway. Another example when it comes to exemplifying how, beyond the necessary debate, electrification is something that did not reach the car just yesterday.
BMW 1602, AN EXPERIMENTAL ELECTRIC IN 1972
In the early XNUMXs, emissions regulations became more stringent in the United States. In fact, that ended the General Motors program for the development of rotary engines. Besides, This new regulation came to lay tiles on the arrival of a new era. A new era in which, without giving up its sharp personality, American motorsports had to learn to live with the arrival of compact cars.
Not only Europeans but especially Japanese. Quite common in the United States from the Japanese landing made by Honda, Nissan-Datsun or Mazda. Besides, growing political instability in the Middle East put Western governments on alert about its excessive dependence on oil. A fact endorsed by the Oil Crisis of 1973. Responsible for changing not a few mechanical paradigms in the motor industry, being the touchstone for rethinking everything related to generous displacements and carefree consumption.
With all this, even the most established manufacturers began to take electric mobility into account. Obviously in a very timid way but, at the same time, constant in its innovation departments. A process in which the appearance of the BMW 1602 is inscribed. Based on a Serie2 of the moment, he changed the standard four-cylinder engine for a Bosch electrical device with 43 hp. In addition, for its power it had twelve Varta batteries made of lead. Something that added an extra 350 kilos to the model, thus reaching 30 kilometers of autonomy in the city and almost double that at constant speed on the highway.
Obviously, both for performance and for weight and autonomy, this electric BMW was far from being able to reach series even if it was short. However, that a brand like this began to give space to electrical technology made more than one think. Especially at a time when, despite political and financial problems, manufacturers were still betting creatively on various mechanical options. From traditional combustion and piston engines to rotary and electric ones. In short, one of the most prolific decades in the history of motorsports.
Photos: FCA Heritage / Audi / BMW Press