The BMW i3 is the first product of the new BMW i sub-brand, made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, weighing about 2,700 lbs and able to recharge in only 3 hours with the use of a 220V Level 2, 32-amp J1772 charger. With the optional SAE DC Combo Fast Charging, the BMW i3 can be juiced up to 80% in 20 minutes, and 100% in 30. The 170-hp, 184 lb-ft hybrid-synchronous electric motor weighs only 110 lbs. and propels the i3 from 0-30mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-60mph in approximately 7.2 seconds, and to an electronically limited top speed of 93 mph.
Also available for extended range is a rear-mounted 650cc, 34 horsepower, two-cylinder, gasoline-powered Range Extender generator which adds roughly 330 lbs. to the vehicle curb weight with a fuel capacity of 2.4 gallons and never directly drives the vehicle’s wheels but does roughly double the vehicle’s range of 80-100 miles. When the battery gets to a certain level, the Range Extender starts and maintains the battery’s current state of charge. The 22-kWh lithium-ion battery weighs 450 lbs. Pricing (before federal or local incentives) starts at $41,350 and $45,200 for Range Extender model. (Excluding Destination & Handling Fee which is currently $925). The BMW i3 goes on sale in the U.S. in the 2nd quarter of 2014.
