Available in the U.S. next year
It's official, BMW has lifted the curtain to show the world its new electric car, the BMW i3. It was designed from the ground up to be electric (with a range-extended version to be also available),
allowing engineers and designers to free themselves from the constraints of gasoline-powered vehicles and optimize everything for the electric powertrain. Read on for more details.
To save weight yet keep a focus on safety, BMW used aluminum and carbon fiber in the i3. The passenger cabin, which they call the Life Module, is the first-ever mass produced Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) passenger cell in the automotive business, and is a big factor in the cars efficiency. "Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic is equally as strong as steel, while being 50% lighter, and 30% lighter than aluminum. The result is an electric car that weighs about 2,700 lbs (preliminary US figures)." The Drive Module is constructed of 100% aluminum, also saving weight compared to steel.
As you can see, there's no pillar between the front and back doors, making getting in and out easier, and the relatively small size of the vehicle makes it easy to park and manoeuvre in tight spaces.
BMW has made an effort with the interior materials:
-Instrument panel surround and door trim use fibers from Kenaf plant.
-Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof panel is made partially with recycled CFRP from manufacturing process of other components
-25% of plastic used in interior comprised of recycled materials.
-Dashboard wood trim crafted from responsibly-forested eucalyptus.
-CFRP components are sustainably produced in Moses Lake, WA, USA, where the factory uses hydroelectric power.
-The Leipzig, Germany assembly plant uses wind-generated electricity.
-Olive-leaf extract is used to tan interior leather surfaces.
Pricing (before federal or local incentives) starts at $41,350. If you live in California, for example, you should be able to get $7,500 in federal tax credits and a couple extra thousands in state incentives, bringing the price closer to $30k, which isn't bad for both an electric car and a BMW.
The 2014 i3 should be on Sale in Q2 of 2014 in the USA.
The BMW i3 is powered by a lithium-ion battery. BMW claims a real-world range of 80 – 100 miles (130 - 160 km) in everyday driving, something that can be increased by up to approximately 12% in ECO PRO mode, and by the same amount additionally in ECO PRO+ mode.
Here's the full list of tech specs:
-170-hp, 184 lb-ft hybrid-synchronous electric motor with max. revs of 11,400 rpm.
-80-100 mile real-world EV range.
-22-kWh lithium-ion battery, which weighs 450 lbs.
-650cc gasoline powered Range Extender optional; holds charge, doesn’t power wheels.
-0-30mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-60mph in approximately 7.0 seconds (preliminary).
-Top speed of 93 mph, electronically limited to preserve efficiency.
-BMW’s signature, near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution.
-Ultra-tight turning radius (32.3 ft), which is ideal for city driving.
-Macpherson strut front and 5-link rear suspension set up.
-Single Pedal Driving Concept with Brake Energy Regeneration, which feeds power back into battery.
-3 drive modes: Comfort, ECO PRO and ECO PRO+.
-3 hour 220 V @32 amps charging time.
-Optional SAE DC Combo Fast Charging allows for 80% charge in 20mins; 100% in 30 mins.
Here you can see the 125 kW/170 hp, 184 lb-ft electric motor (max. revs of 11,400 rpm!).
Because the i3 was designed from the ground up to be electric, the battery, motor and power electronics can be packaged much more efficiently than in an EV that is based on a gas model.
Via BMW
by Michael Graham Richard
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