Earlier this year BMW introduced the next generation of electric cars as BMW i Concept cars.
BMW i is coming out with two models - BMW i3, the all-electric urban commuter car and BMW i8, plug-in hybrid sports car. They look super cool and also embody a lot of cool innovative features. The LifeDrive architecture divides the body into two modules. The drive module that forms the foundation, combining the battery and drive system, plus a range of structural and basic crash devices into a single lightweight, high-strength compartment. The Life Module, is similar to what one might find in a Formula One car: a high-strength and extremely lightweight passenger cell made from CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic). CFRP is 50% lighter than steel but provides the same strength as steel. The interiors are eco friendly as well. In addition to the extensive use of natural fibers and naturally tanned leather, 25 per cent of the weight of the interior plastic is accounted for by recycled or renewable raw materials for the i3.
The eDrive technology in i3 provides a decent acceleration, from 0 to 60 kmph (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100 kmph (62 mph) in less than eight seconds. The battery can be charged in 4 hours but a DC charger can accomplish 80% charge in 30 minutes. An optional driving range extender is available which employs a gas engine driving the generator to maintain the battery charge.
The sportier i8 with 220hp hybrid engine will accelerate 0 to 62 mph in under five seconds with a fuel efficiency of 94 mpg. The i8 introduces new laser headlights, they can produce a near-parallel beam with an intensity a thousand times greater than that of conventional LEDs while consuming less than half the energy of LEDs.
Also planned are mobility services to complement the vehicle. Example of services include solutions to make efficient use of existing parking space, intelligent navigation systems that can also offer location-based information, an Intermodal Route Planning service and premium car-sharing services. In addition to offering its own services BMW plans to partner with other companies to come up with new ones.
The BMW i3 Series car will be available in 2013 and the BMW i8 Series car will follow shortly thereafter. Experts guess the price for i3 to be closer to a BMW 5-series (starting at $47000) and the price for i8 closer to a Tesla Roadster (starting at $109,000).
BMW i is coming out with two models - BMW i3, the all-electric urban commuter car and BMW i8, plug-in hybrid sports car. They look super cool and also embody a lot of cool innovative features. The LifeDrive architecture divides the body into two modules. The drive module that forms the foundation, combining the battery and drive system, plus a range of structural and basic crash devices into a single lightweight, high-strength compartment. The Life Module, is similar to what one might find in a Formula One car: a high-strength and extremely lightweight passenger cell made from CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic). CFRP is 50% lighter than steel but provides the same strength as steel. The interiors are eco friendly as well. In addition to the extensive use of natural fibers and naturally tanned leather, 25 per cent of the weight of the interior plastic is accounted for by recycled or renewable raw materials for the i3.
The eDrive technology in i3 provides a decent acceleration, from 0 to 60 kmph (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100 kmph (62 mph) in less than eight seconds. The battery can be charged in 4 hours but a DC charger can accomplish 80% charge in 30 minutes. An optional driving range extender is available which employs a gas engine driving the generator to maintain the battery charge.
The sportier i8 with 220hp hybrid engine will accelerate 0 to 62 mph in under five seconds with a fuel efficiency of 94 mpg. The i8 introduces new laser headlights, they can produce a near-parallel beam with an intensity a thousand times greater than that of conventional LEDs while consuming less than half the energy of LEDs.
Also planned are mobility services to complement the vehicle. Example of services include solutions to make efficient use of existing parking space, intelligent navigation systems that can also offer location-based information, an Intermodal Route Planning service and premium car-sharing services. In addition to offering its own services BMW plans to partner with other companies to come up with new ones.
The BMW i3 Series car will be available in 2013 and the BMW i8 Series car will follow shortly thereafter. Experts guess the price for i3 to be closer to a BMW 5-series (starting at $47000) and the price for i8 closer to a Tesla Roadster (starting at $109,000).
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