Those following developments in electric car technology won't have missed the announcement last year of the innovative i3 electric city car concept by prestige automaker BMW. This futuristic vehicle could go into production soon, as its designers have offered an in-depth look at its features and systems.
Unlike its predecessor the MegaCity concept, the BMW i3 is a fully realised concept vehicle, and has been called the most advanced electric car yet developed, building on the company's experience with previous electric models such as the Mini E and ActiveE. The i3 stands apart from those vehicles however, by being developed from scratch to run on electric power, rather than simply being a conversion.
The car's lightweight body of 2,750 pounds is achieved through use of light materials, including an aluminum powertrain and carbon fibre reinforced plastic for the passenger compartment. These materials also reportedly offer greater protection in the event of collisions and are resistant to rust. The motor itself is also smaller and lighter than those found in previous electric models - around 40 per cent smaller than that of the Mini E - and is expected to deliver 170 hp and 184 lb/ft of torque.
One of the most important aspects of electric cars is the mileage they offer, and BMW promises a maximum range of 140 miles per charge, comparable to other electric vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf. Maximum speed is limited to 93 mph, to avoid draining the battery too rapidly, and the car can reach 62 mph in just 7.9 seconds. Charging time is estimated to be six hours or longer.
The i3 isn't just notable for its performance and technical specifications though, as this vehicle's design may also offer a glimpse into BMW's future. One of the most distinctive features is the full glass doors and roof, which create a distinctly futuristic look and will be strengthened to ensure that the risk of damage to glass and the need for windshield repair is not significantly greater than that of standard cars.
Standard colours of the i3 are likely to be based around the company's iconic silver, blue and black, with LED lights incorporated to offer more eco-friendliness. The lack of a transmission tunnel and B-pillar in the i3 allows four occupants to be seated comfortably without obstructions, and the rear seats can be folded to offer more cargo room than the current 7.1 cubic feet.
Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
