Electric Vehicles are so clearly the future for the automotive industry and today BMW took a big step forward. They have turned their i3 concept vehicle and are putting it into production. While the road-going i3 has changed from the designer’s dream, the car you will buy, is surprisingly close to concept.
For years I’ve complained that auto manufacturers were always too scared to actually ship a concept car, so all the innovation in design inevitably got left on the marketing cutting room floor.
The BMW i3 is an all-electric car is made of carbon fibre bonded with plastic to make the car light, which will counteract the weight of the lithion-ion battery cell. They say this is the first mass-production to use this composite which features great strength to ensure safety.
“What the mobile phone did for communication, electric mobility will do for individual mobility.” – BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer. During the short unveiling, BMW mentioned the word ‘premium’ a number of times, which we can only interpret as ‘this thing won’t be cheap’.
Here’s a shot of the interior with the full and rear half-door of the 4-seater opened.
Here’s an internal shot of the dash of the BMW i3, obviously the US, left hand-drive version.
Here’s a comparison shot of the concept.
For those wondering what BMW i stands for, it worked well for Apple so they decided to copy. No actually its stands for a visionary electric cars and mobility services, inspiring design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability. With BMW i the BMW Group is adopting an all-embracing approach, redefining the understanding of personal mobility with purpose-built vehicle concepts, a focus on sustainability throughout the value chain and a range of complementary mobility services.
The BMW i3 with eDrive is an uncompromisingly sustainable vehicle designed for urban areas. Driven purely by electric power and purpose-built to meet the demands of sustainable and emission-free mobility. It embodies an intelligent form of urban transportation and commuting.
Like the competition, Ford, GM, Tesla and other EV manufacturers, BMW have developed smartphone apps to remotely monitor your vehicle’s charge.
Unfortunately Australians keen to get their orders in for the all-electric i3 will have to wait a little longer. BMW Australia confirmed that tonight was a world launch, local dates and pricing will come later.
Learn more about the all-electric BMW i3 http://www.bmw-i.com