BMW showcases production ready electric vehicles

The BMW Group has showcased its visions of future mobility in the shape of the i3 Concept and i8 Concept studies. These concepts provide a glimpse of the first electrically- powered production cars to be made under the new BMW i sub-brand. Both will be launched as the BMW i3 in 2013 and the BMW i8 (pictured) in 2014 respectively.

“This is another milestone in the history of the BMW Group,” said Norbert Reithofer, chairman, Board of Management of BMW AG, at the premiere of the two vehicles in Frankfurt on July 29. “Our aim is to offer customers purpose-built electric-drive cars as well,” he added.

With its zero-emission electric drive and a range of approximately 150 km, the i3 Concept has been specifically developed for an urban environment. As a result of its LifeDrive architecture that features a carbon passenger cell, the i3 Concept combines a low weight of 1250kg with optimal interior space and the highest crash safety levels, the company said. The four-seater has a 200-litre luggage compartment.

The 3 Concept will mark the launch of the first volume-produced car featuring bodywork largely made of carbon, said Klaus Draeger, board member responsible for development. The application of this new CFRP technology allows a weight reduction, compared to a conventional electric car, of between 250 and 350kg.

The i8 Concept which is a sports car concept boasts fuel consumption of under three litres per 100km. Its plug-in hybrid drive with a system output of 260 kW allows a range of up to 35km in electric mode and is aimed at daily travel.

Both the i3 and the i8 will be built at BMW’s Leipzig plant in Germany. Some 400 million euros are earmarked for investment in new buildings and facilities by 2013, while 800 new jobs are to be created. BMW is also investigating the possibility of erecting its own wind turbines on the plant site.