X

BMW i3 prepares for electric future (photos)

As part of its new i brand, BMW has created the pure electric i3. The car, designed for urban environments, has compact dimensions but a roomy interior. Typical for current electric car technology, its range is about 100 miles.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
BMWi3_SS01.JPG
1 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET
BMW launched the i brand as a way to move the company into a more fuel-efficient, electrified future. The i3 shows off a future pure electric BMW model. Designed for cities, the i3's specs are typical for current electric-car technology, suggesting that BMW could produce the car with no further innovations.
BMWi3_SS02.JPG
2 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET
To keep the vehicle light, and therefore enhance its range, BMW uses carbon fiber extensively in the i3. This concept version also uses clear plastic materials on the sides and hatchback, which would be unlikely on a production vehicle. The overall design is a small, five-door car.
BMWi3_SS03.JPG
3 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET
The i3's electric motor is placed over the rear axle, which it drives, and the lithium ion battery pack is set in the floor, lowering the center of gravity. The motor creates 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, substantial for a car of this size, getting it to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds.
BMWi3_SS04.JPG
4 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET
Range, at 80 to 100 miles per charge, is typical for current electric vehicle technology. Likewise is the charging time of 6 hours from a 220-volt outlet. BMW is not promising any breakthroughs with the i3.
BMWi3_SS05.JPG
5 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET
The cabin of the i3 is very large, with wide, comfortable seats. The cabin's proportions are made possible by the placement of the motor and battery pack, which don't intrude on the cabin space. The lack of a B pillar eases access to the front and rear seats.
BMWi3_SS06.JPG
6 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET
BMW envisions advanced cabin electronics for the i3, with navigation software that intelligently routes the vehicle based on battery level and charging infrastructure. The electronics can also enable car sharing.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos