BMW worked for five years to develop its i3 electric car, along the way pioneering new carbon fiber production processes. The i3 was unveiled at a special event in New York.
During a press event in New York, BMW took the wraps off its i3 electric car. The company has been developing the car over the last five years with the vision that it would represent the future of urban mobility.
BMW maintains its signature kidney grille, even though the car does not have a traditional radiator. The front looks chunkier than conventional BMWs, with the thick bumper and grille suggesting a higher stance than a typical hatchback.
The i3 is a five-door hatchback, although the rear side doors, which are rear-hinged, are very short. It looks like they can only be opened after the front doors are opened.
A hatchback contributes to the i3's basic utility. And, of course, there is no exhaust pipe in the rear. However, BMW says it will offer versions with a range-extender engine.
With an electric motor at the rear wheels, the space under the hood will be reserved for power-management electronics and possibly some of the battery cells.
BMW places the charging port at the right rear, which is inconvenient as most electric charging stations are at the front of parking spaces. Drivers will have to back into spaces or stretch the charging cable down the side of the car.
BMW says the i3's 22-kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery pack will charge in about 5 hours from a 240-volt source, or 30 minutes at a DC fast-charging station.
