BMW unveils electric i3 and predicts rise in demand for EVs
Mon 29 July 2013
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BMW has launched its first electric car - the i3 - which the car maker says includes a wide range of innovations including a lightweight shell of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic. The i3 is the first in a series of electric cars which are scheduled to be launched by the German car maker.
The world's biggest luxury car maker, BMW forecasts that, as people increasingly move to live in cities and governments get tougher on environmental regulation, demand for electric cars will increase.
A BMW spokesman told the Daily Telegraph: "More and more people are living in cities, with restrictions on travelling into the city – both emissions and access. As time goes on, these legal restrictions will become ever tighter.
"We've looked at the driving profiles of people in metropolitan regions and a car with a range of 150km [93 miles], which needs to be charged two to three times a week, is something which meets people's needs completely."
In order to deal with fears about 'range anxiety', the i3 will come as part of a package deal that includes the loan of a petrol car for use in holiday driving. Drivers of the i3 also have the option to be able to plug in a small petrol engine that extends the car's range to around 180 miles.
BMW says that the use of the lightweight body material compensates for the extra weight of the battery, while the low, central location of the battery pack enhances the car’s agility and provides a low centre of gravity.
The electric motor generates an output of 170hp, with peak torque of 250Nm available instantly. This allows the BMW i3 to travel from zero to 37mph in 3.7 seconds and zero to 62mph in 7.2 seconds. The lithium-ion battery gives a range of 80 –100 miles in everyday driving (with further range available via the car's ECO PRO).
The BMWi3 joins the growing list of vehicles from manufacturers such as Nissan, Renault, Vauxhall, Citroen, Mitsubishi and Toyota eligible for the Plug-in Car Grant.
In addition to the Plug-in Car Grant the UK Government has recently committed a further £500m to support the development and uptake of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs).
BMW i Ventures also recently announced a strategic investment in Chargemaster Plc, the UK’s leading provider of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. In addition to this investment, Chargemaster and BMW i have entered into a wide ranging cooperation agreement whereby Chargemaster will provide a range of E-mobility services. Both parties will carry out joint electric vehicle (EV) marketing activities and will work together to promote the advancement of EVs and E-mobility services.
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