BMW works council supports electric-only platform

BMW should shift course and form a technology platform just for electric vehicles, departing from developing cars that can be fitted with either electric or combustion engines, according to the head of the influential works council.

“Only with our own e-architecture can we fully exploit the advantages of an electric vehicle,” said Manfred Schoch to Der Spiegel magazine.

Schoch stated that a dedicated electric platform is required if the German luxury automaker is not to be overtaken by rivaling automakers such as Tesla.

Spiegel said Schoch’s call comes after some BMW managers have considered a new electric strategy internally for some time.

Those managers hope that the company will be quick at moving to develop a pure e-platform, which would make cars lighter and provide them a longer battery range and a bigger interior.

Asked about the report, a BMW spokesman stated the company was currently “optimally positioned” and refused to discuss speculation about internal discussions.