BMW evaluates i3 launch in India

BMW is weighing the option of introducing its premium compact electric vehicle, the i3, in India. Whether the on-going evaluation process will culminate in a launch will be decided to a large extent by the government's measures to support electric vehicles as part of its National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020.

"In principle, the i3 is made for mega-cities like Mumbai or Delhi. We are starting top-down with the i8," said Frank Schloeder, director - marketing, BMW India, in an interaction with Autocar Professionalon the sidelines of the launch of the i8, the German company’s plug-in hybrid car, in Mumbai today.

Schroeder says BMW is ‘observing’ developments in India with regard to government policy and infrastructure necessary for the growth of electric mobility. It’s been over two years since the Mission was launched and very little on-ground action thus far though the new dispensation in Delhi has indicated its commitment to clean, eco-friendly mobility. Moreover, a launch of a full electric vehicle will require preparedness at dealerships, afterservice and road assistance.

BMW India will sell its i8, priced at Rs 2.29 crore, ex-showroom, through four dealers (one each in New Delhi and Chennai, and two in Mumbai). The car is being brought in as a CBU.

The i3, which is priced at euro 35,000 (Rs 26.75 lakh) in Germany, will be an expensive proposition for the India market if it does not get any government subsidy. Globally, the i3 has contributed significantly to the 18,000 units of 'i' models that BMW sold in 2014.

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