BMW i3: Every Revolution Begins With A Charge.

It all started with a vision, a vision to completely re-imagine the future of mobility and rethink what it means to drive an electric vehicle. The future is now the present, this is pure BMW performance coupled with BMW's innovative eDrive technology. The BMW i3 is a five-door electric car developed by the German manufacturer BMW. The i3 is part of BMW's 'Project I' and was launched as a new brand. The i3 is BMW's first zero emissions mass produced vehicle, due to it's power train and BMW is the first company to launch a volume production vehicle on the market featuring carbon fibre reinforced polymer to improve the vehicle's energy consumption. The i3 concept car was unveiled at the International Motor Show Germany in the year 2011 and the production version was revealed in July 2013. Upon it's birth into the automotive market, it made it's mark and created a new era. BMW left drive is a revolutionary architectural concept that was purpose built for electric cars, designed specifically to reduce weight and increase range. Compromised of two separate units, the Life module and Drive module from the frame work for BMW I vehicles.



In order to achieve a lightweight car, the i3 will be the first mass production car to have most of it's internal structure and body being made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic. The BMW i3 has two pedals like all cars with automatic transmission. The accelerator pedal acts as both accelerator and engine brake, when the driver releases the pedal, the vehicle's kinetic energy is regenerated by the vehicle drive train to recharge the battery. This has the effect of slowing the car down. BMW designed the i3 eDrive power train based on the premise that the battery would need to be recharged only once, every two or three days. The charging frequency was derived from field trial results taken from the BMW Active E and MINI E vehicles in Asia, Europe and the U.S.



The i3 allows the driver to charge the battery from a conventional socket. The BMW i3 has a number of charging functions. AC fast charging can take less than 3 hours, with the use of the BMW I Wallbox Pure, when charging from 0 to 80%. In the U.S it can be charged from any public charging station, with the right connector. The BMW i3 allows the driver to select the car energy consumption through three different modes; Comfort, Eco Pro and Eco Pro+ modes. BMW also offers a gasoline range extender engine as an option.



The i3 has been designed from the ground as an EV, which is evident. Tall and narrow proportions give the i3, the look of an MPV rather than a family hatch, but it creates a class of it's own. The bonnet and glass tailgate get a distinctive gloss black finish. Other highlights include the angular window line, swept back headlamps and metallic blue trim for the fairer grille and lower sills. The futuristic feel continues inside, access is easy thanks to the rear hinged doors and lack of a B pillar, although you have to step over the wide sill. Once in, you will be able to enjoy the cleverly packaged and imaginatively designed layout that's easy to use and beautifully finished. The high set drivers seat once in it, the first thing you would notice is the TFT screens which are a pair. One ahead of the driver and one that appears to float above the centre of the dashboard. These units display everything, from speed to satellite navigation information and controlled through BMW's trademark iDrive dial.



Available for every trim is technology and driving assist and the parking assist packages. The price for this BMW electric breed is slated at $42,275, additional options would change the prices.