In announcing the award, Popular Mechanics stated, “With a range of up to 100 miles from its lithium-ion battery pack, the BMW i3 is a lot like other electric vehicles. What’s innovative is the way it’s built: A passenger cell made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic means a curb weight of around 2800 pounds—light for any kind of car. And by reexamining the production process all the way down to the raw materials, BMW found a way to offer a car made from exotic materials for a little over $40,000. Affordable, mass-produced carbon fiber has the potential to make every vehicle safer and more fun to drive. The i3 goes on sale in Europe late this year and will be available stateside in spring 2014.â€
The i3 features BMW eDrive technology including electric motor and high-performance lithium-ion battery developed and manufactured independently by the BMW Group; hybrid synchronous electric motor developed specifically for the i3, maximum output: 125 kW/170 hp, peak torque: 250 Nm (184 lb-ft); power sent to the rear wheels via an integrated differential gear; lithium-ion high-voltage battery with usable energy capacity of 18.8 kWh; intelligent drivetrain and charge management using power electronics developed by the BMW Group; battery can be recharged from a domestic power socket, BMW i Wallbox or public charging station.
Energy consumption is rated at 12.9 kilowatt hours per 100 kilometers (62 miles) in the EU test cycle; more efficient than any competitor, efficiency further optimized through specific BMW EfficientDynamics technology, such as Brake Energy Regeneration, ECO PRO and ECO PRO+ mode including coasting function; range under everyday conditions: 130 – 160 kilometers (approx. 80 – 100 miles) when COMFORT mode is engaged using the Driving Experience Control switch; range can be increased by 20 kilometers (12 miles) when ECO PRO or ECO PRO+ mode are activated; additional option: two-cylinder range extender petrol engine developing 25 kW/34 hp maintains a minimum charge level and boosts range to around 300 kilometers (185 miles).
Performance includes acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 seconds, 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in 3.7 seconds and from 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) in 4.9 seconds; top speed, electronically limited: 150 km/h (93 mph); turning circle: 9.86 meters. The sophisticated chassis technology enables a well-balanced combination of agile handling and impressive ride comfort; MacPherson single-joint spring strut front suspension; five-link rear axle mounted directly to the Drive module; Electric Power Steering; DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) including DTC (Dynamic Traction Control); 19-inch forged light-alloy wheels as standard.
The passenger cell (Life module)is made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP); drivetrain technology, high-voltage battery, chassis, crash and structural functions integrated into the aluminum Drive module; DIN curb weight: 1,195 kilograms; low center of gravity; even weight distribution; spacious interior with four seats; slightly raised seating position; opposing “coach†doors; torsional stiffness of CFRP passenger cell structure allows the omission of B-pillars; center tunnel has also been omitted, as a result of positioning of the electric motor directly on the driven rear axle; trunk capacity: 260 - 1,100 liters.
