BMW goes electric with i3

BMW has gone electric in a big way, unveiling the i3 electric car, the first in a lineup of electric vehicles. The i3 has been designed from a clean screen as an all-electric drive vehicle, with the layout and weight distribution optimized for that propulsion technology.

The i3 is powered by an electric motor with lithium ion battery. The car can reportedly travel 128 to 160 km on a single charge, with a 3-hour charging time using a 220-volt charger. An optional fast charger allows charging to 80% in 20 minutes, and to 100% in 30 minutes. (Take that, iPhone!) To reduce range anxiety, the car carries a 650cc two-cylinder gasoline engine, with a fuel tank capacity of 10 liters, to double its driving range. The engine charges the batteries and does not drive the car directly. The i3 whirrs to 100 kph in about 7 seconds, with a top speed of 149kph, electronically limited to “preserve efficiency.” Weight distribution is BMW’s trademark 50-50 front-rear, with a 9.9-meter turning radius.

The car is designed around a so-called LifeDrive architecture concept. The Life Module or passenger cabin is made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the first mass-produced passenger cell in the industry. It is 50 percent lighter than steel and 30% lighter than aluminum. The i3 weighs in at 1200kg.The strength of the carbon fiber cabin reportedly gives it a large measure of safety in a crash, and components such as the battery are mounted away from the passenger cabin. Doors can still be opened even after severe crash tests, such as the offset front at 64 kph.

The Drive module is made from alumimum and contains the 22-kWh  , 200kg lithium ion battery, electric drive train, and suspension system—MacPherson struts up front and five-link at the rear. The battery is mounted in the rear for better traction and to be near the drive wheels.

With no need for a transmission tunnel, the i3 contains the interior space of the 3 Series within the footprint a 1 Series. The interior, made from recycled plastics, reportedly has the same quality feel as the 5 Series sedan.

The i3 will hit US showroom in 2014 at list price of $41,350, before federal or state incentives, and not counting the destination and handling fee of $925. This is about the same price as the 328i sport wagon.