While that makes the i3 the most expensive EV in the U.S. other than Tesla's Model S, the i3 brings to the electric table a state-of-the-art carbon fiber body on an aluminum frame. That brings the i3's weight down considerably compared to other EVs, to an alleged 2630 pounds.
Inside, BMW says the i3 will have space comparable to the 3 Series, despite being more compact on the outside. Incomparable to the 3 Series is the i3's intriguing door arrangement, which is the same as an extended-cab pickup truck.
A 170-horsepower, 184-pounds-feet of torque electric motor drives the rear wheels. Feeding that motor is a 22-KWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted under the passenger compartment that provides 80 to 100 miles of range, and a two-cylinder gasoline generator can be optioned to provide an additional 60 to 100 miles of range. That generator is said to not detract from cargo volume if optioned.
BMW says that the i3 can go from zero to 35 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds. And, like some other EVs, you can drive with one pedal in slower traffic. When you lift off the throttle completely, the regenerative braking automatically kicks in.
To charge an i3, you can use BMW's unpriced home charging system or a 240-volt public charger. You can also get a DC fast-charging port on your i3 that can charge a dead battery to 80% capacity in 20 minutes. Common among EVs, the i3's navigation system will have public charging stations programmed into it.
The i3 goes on sale in the second quarter of 2014. Pictures of the production model will be published by BMW on July 29, 2013; the picture above is of a concept version of the i3.
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