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HomeCarsWhy BMW's First Electric Cars Are Classics of the Future

Why BMW's First Electric Cars Are Classics of the Future

The BMW i3 and i8, with their avant-garde designs and innovative technologies, remain modern benchmarks in the automotive landscape.

A forward-thinking vision for electrification

In 2008, BMW undertook a bold, multi-billion-euro project: retooling its Leipzig plant to produce two of the greenest cars ever made. These vehicles, featuring carbon-fiber passenger cells, combined electric, plug-in hybrid powertrains, and range extenders. Production began in 2013, a decade ahead of their time. But the world wasnโ€™t yet ready for cars as bold as the i3 and i8.

BMW invested heavily to create an electric car without the usual drawbacks of electric vehicles. The goal was to make an electric car that required a moderately sized battery, thus avoiding excessive weight. To achieve this, BMW made the i3 the first mass-production car made of carbon fiber, a true technological feat.

The BMW i3: pioneer of carbon fiber mass production

The use of carbon fiber in automobiles dates back to British racing cars in the 1960s. The first full carbon fiber body was in the 1980s. However, it wasn't until the Bugatti EB110 in the 1990s that carbon fiber was used in a production road car, costing nearly $500,000 and requiring outsourcing to Aerospatiale, a French aerospace company. Even in 2008, BMW's plans for the i-cars were cutting edge.

The first model to go into production was the i3, a compact city car that would have been at home in front of the Guggenheim in Bilbao. With large windows offering excellent visibility and reverse-opening rear doors, the i3 was bright and spacious. The interior, with wool seats and a eucalyptus dashboard, also incorporated natural fibres such as kenaf, a lightweight and sustainable alternative.

BMW also innovated in sustainability by using carbon fiber produced in Washington State, powered 100% by local hydroelectricity. The company employed technical solutions to create a more sustainable car.

Modular design for optimum efficiency

The i3 was distinguished by its unique modular design. All of the carโ€™s essential systemsโ€”battery, engine, suspension, crash structures, and optional range extenderโ€”were mounted on an aluminum chassis called the โ€œDrive Module.โ€ The โ€œLife Module,โ€ housing the interior and body panels, was made of carbon fiber. The two modules were chemically bonded together, providing a lightweight and strong structure.

At 2,600 to 3,000 pounds (1,180 to 1,315 kg) depending on the version, the i3 was lighter than competitors like the Nissan Leaf or Chevrolet Volt. Its largest battery pack, at 42.2 kWh, offered a range of 153 miles (246 km) according to the EPA, increased to 200 miles (320 km) with the range extender.

High costs and trade-offs for luxury buyers

BMW's innovation came at a cost, making the i3 relatively expensive. In Germany, it was priced from โ‚ฌ34,950, and $41,350 in the US, rising to $45,200 with the range extender. The most expensive versions reached nearly $60,000.

In the United States, to meet regulations, i3 models with range extenders were initially limited to 1.9 gallons from their 2.4-gallon tank, until BMW increased the battery capacity in 2017.

Despite its many strengths, the i3 required a number of compromises from luxury car buyers. A 3 Series model offered a more traditional experience for a similar price, making the i3 more suited to dense urban environments.

The BMW i8: an unfinished hybrid supercar

The only other car in BMW's i line was the spectacular i8, with its gullwing doors and low cabin. The i8 combined a mid-mounted three-cylinder turbo engine with a front-mounted electric motor, but with just 131 horsepower from the front engine and 228 from the rear, it didn't offer supercar performance. In the United States, the i8 started at $136,000, a steep price for a three-cylinder car.

Despite its avant-garde design, the i8 was not as successful as expected, with only 6,776 units sold in the United States during its entire production run, far from the sales figures of models like the Porsche 911.

Contemporary relevance despite production shutdown

Despite their relative commercial failure, the i3 and i8 remain remarkable machines. The i8, with its unique design, and the i3, with its sustainable and lightweight approach, retain particular relevance in an era when heavy-duty electric vehicles dominate the market.

The i3โ€™s principles of low weight and low-impact manufacturing are more relevant than ever. While vehicles like the Tesla Cybertruck or GMC Hummer EV weigh over 3,100 kg and 4,350 kg respectively, BMWโ€™s vision for lightweight and sustainable electric vehicles remains an inspiration for the future of the automobile.

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