BMW claim they're now 'looking into the future' after they unveiled their first mass produced electric car, the BMW i3, yesterday. After 4 years and over £1.5 billion spent on R&D, BMW have finally decided to bring their electric car to the world.
The BMW i3 has the trademark BMW kidney shaped grill, but what's underneath the bonnet is unlike its more traditional siblings. The i3 boasts a 170bhp electric motor and a lithium-ion, high-voltage battery that can keep the car running about for about 130 - 160km on one single charge. However for the pure petrol heads out there who are now visibly getting sick, there is an option of a range-extending 650cc 2 cylinder 34bhp petrol engine that will give the driver an extra 290km which is achieved by not powering the wheels, but rather re-charging the batteries. However the fun stops there, as the speed is limited to 150kph (93mph) for 'efficiency reasons' - damn Germans! (The pure electric version is faster, due to it's lighter weight)
For the techies out there that believe this is the first true foray into the future of motoring, the car will pair with BMW 'i-remote' app (iOS and Android), which includes information about the car's charge level, battery condition & location right on your smartphone. It also automatically charges itself when you lift off the throttle, and BMW claim it could become a 'one pedal car' if you're paying attention!
So what about the dreaded charge time? Charging using a regular household socket will take roughly 8-10 hours, however all BMW i3s are supplied with a fast-charge kit which takes it from 0 to 80% charged inside only 3 hours. The faster charge system, called BMW iWallbox, needs to be installed in an owners home by a qualified electrician.
So how much will the i3 set you back? It's due to be released in Germany and other European markets in November, costing €35,000 (£28,830 - this includes the UK governments £5,000 electric car incentive). BMW have even gone to extreme lengths to curb the general consensus that while they are better for the envirionment
after production, assembly of the cars is still a bone of contention. Their general assembly plant in Leipzig where the cars are built draws all of its power from wind turbines.
Will this be the true start of the electric car revolution, or just another fad?
