Beatrice Lang
The BMW i3 is an electric car that was manufactured by German carmaker BMW from 2013 to 2022. It was BMW's first mass-produced zero-emissions vehicle. The i3 was launched as part of BMW's electric vehicle BMW i sub-brand. While the i3 is considered a battery-electric vehicle, it is also regarded as a plug-in hybrid due to its range-extending petrol engine option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2013 |
| Production Years | 2013-2022 |
| Type | Plug-in Hybrid, Electric Car |
| Engine | Gasoline-powered generator, Electric |
| Range | 153 miles (up to 200 miles with Range Extender) |
| Charging Time | Under 6 hours |
| Battery | Lithium-ion |
| Warranty | 8-year battery guarantee |
| Body Style | B-segment, high-roof hatchback |
| Number of Doors | 5 |
| Drive | Rear-wheel |
| Transmission | Single-speed |
| Fuel Capacity (US) | 1.9 gallons |
| Fuel Capacity (Europe) | 2.4 gallons |
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What You'll Learn
The BMW i3 is an electric car
The BMW i3 was designed with a unique, innovative construction. It features a passenger module of high-strength, ultra-lightweight carbon fibre reinforced polymer adhered to an aluminium chassis, battery, drive system and powertrain. The body also features two clamshell, rear-hinged rear doors. The i3 debuted as a concept at the 2011 International Motor Show in Germany, with production beginning in September 2013 in Leipzig.
The BMW i3 is considered a plug-in hybrid by some sources, due to its range-extending capabilities. The range-extender option includes a small gasoline engine that acts as a generator to extend the battery range. This feature is particularly useful as electric car charging stations are not as readily available as gas stations. However, the i3's motor only draws power from the battery, and the vehicle cannot be driven using an internal combustion engine.
The BMW i3 has received various ratings and reviews. Its overall ratings are lower than other best-selling plug-in electric vehicles, but it ranked third among electric cars sold worldwide from 2014 to 2016. The i3 offers an efficient and sustainable driving experience, with lower fuel costs compared to traditional vehicles. The vehicle also comes with an 8-year battery warranty and lower maintenance requirements than conventional cars.
The BMW i3 has played a significant role in BMW's exploration of electric vehicle technology. With the i3, BMW made a courageous decision to invest heavily in electromobility, marking a shift from their reputation as the epitome of high-class combustion engines. The development of the i3 involved a dedicated team of strategists, electrical engineers, and chemists, showcasing BMW's commitment to innovation and sustainability.
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The i3 is BMW's first mass-produced zero-emissions vehicle
The BMW i3 is an electric car that was manufactured by German carmaker BMW from 2013 to 2022. The i3 was BMW's first mass-produced zero-emissions vehicle and was launched as part of BMW's electric vehicle BMW i sub-brand. It is a B-segment, high-roof hatchback with an electric powertrain. The i3 uses rear-wheel drive via a single-speed transmission and an underfloor lithium-ion battery pack with an optional range-extending petrol engine. The body features two clamshell rear-hinged rear doors.
The i3 was styled by Richard Kim and is a five-door with a passenger module of high-strength, ultra-lightweight carbon fibre reinforced polymer adhered to an aluminium chassis, battery, drive system and powertrain. The i3 debuted as a concept at the 2011 International Motor Show in Germany, and production began in September 2013 in Leipzig. It ranked third among electric cars sold worldwide from 2014 to 2016.
The BMW i3 is considered a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in some places, particularly in the United States, due to its range-extending capabilities. The range-extender option is a small gasoline engine that acts as a generator to give the battery additional range. This was designed to meet the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulation for an auxiliary power unit (APU) and allowed the i3 to qualify as a Transitional Zero Emission Vehicle (TZEV). However, the i3 does not have a hybrid drive system, as it is not capable of driving with a drivetrain using gas and/or electricity. The vehicle's only means of movement is through its electric motors.
BMW implemented efficient manufacturing processes and used recycled materials to reduce the i3's environmental impact. The carbon fibre for the bodywork is produced using hydroelectric power, and the vehicle is crafted using 95% recyclable materials. The i3 also comes with an 8-year battery guarantee and lower maintenance requirements compared to conventional vehicles.
The BMW i3 has a range of up to 153 miles on a single charge, and with the range extender, it can go up to 200 miles. The high-capacity battery can be fully charged in under 6 hours, and it can be charged to 80% in 30 minutes using public charging stations.
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The i3 REx is a range-extended battery-electric vehicle
The BMW i3 is an electric car manufactured by German carmaker BMW from 2013 to 2022. The i3 was BMW's first mass-produced zero-emissions vehicle and was launched as part of BMW's electric vehicle BMW i sub-brand. The i3 REx is a range-extended battery-electric vehicle.
The i3 REx is not a hybrid in the strictest sense of the word. A hybrid drive system is typically defined as a vehicle capable of driving with a drivetrain using gas and/or electricity. The i3 REx uses a gasoline generator to charge the battery, and this battery is the only source of power for the motor. There is no way to drive the vehicle using an internal combustion engine. It is 100% electric drive.
However, the i3 REx may be considered a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in some places, especially in the United States. This is because BMW had to limit the size of the fuel tank in the US to prevent it from being considered a hybrid. The fuel capacity of the i3 REx is electronically limited to 7.2 litres (1.6 imperial gallons or 1.9 US gallons), which is lower than the full capacity of the gasoline-extended range. This restriction was applied to the US configuration of the i3 to maintain its classification as a range-extended battery-electric vehicle. Without this restriction, the vehicle's total range would be higher, and it would be classified as a plug-in hybrid.
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The i3 is eligible for a $2,500 Clean Vehicle Rebate
The BMW i3 is an electric car manufactured by German company BMW from 2013 to 2022. It was BMW's first mass-produced zero-emissions vehicle and was launched as part of BMW's electric vehicle BMW i sub-brand. The i3 is eligible for a $2,500 Clean Vehicle Rebate for several reasons. Firstly, according to rules adopted in March 2012 by CARB, the 2014 BMW i3 with an REx unit fitted is the first car ever to qualify as a range-extended battery-electric vehicle or "BEVx". This classification made the i3 REx eligible for California's green sticker, which identifies vehicles allowed to be operated by a single occupant in California's high-occupancy vehicle lanes.
Secondly, CARB certification of the i3 REx as BEVx allows the i3 with a range extender to be eligible for a $2,500 Clean Vehicle Rebate, the same amount that pure electric cars are entitled to. Other plug-in hybrids are only eligible for a $1,500 purchase rebate. The i3's range extender option was designed to meet the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulation for an auxiliary power unit (APU). This means that the i3 can deliver a minimum of 75 miles (121 km) in electric range.
It is important to note that the BMW i3 is not a purpose-built electric car. It is a purpose-built plug-in hybrid, with a compartment for a gas-powered generator at the back of the car. This allows the battery to be recharged while driving. The BMW i3 has a range of up to 153 miles, and with the Range Extender, up to 200 miles.
In addition to the $2,500 Clean Vehicle Rebate, there are other incentives available for the BMW i3. For example, the federal EV tax credit can provide up to $7,500 in savings, and there may be additional state or local incentives, such as the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) in California, which offers rebates of up to $7,000 on various electric vehicles.
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The i3 is a plug-in hybrid
The i3's range-extender concept allows drivers to refill the gas tank in a few minutes at ubiquitous gas stations, which is reassuring for those who may be anxious about running out of charge. While charging stations do exist that can recharge the BMW to 80% capacity in half an hour, they are uncommon. The i3 has a much longer battery-only range than the range-extended Chevrolet Volt or the upcoming Cadillac ELR, which travel about 35 miles on a charge, but can go 300 miles more with electricity from the gas generator.
The i3 REx has been classified as a Transitional Zero Emission Vehicle (TZEV), the same classification as other plug-in hybrids such as the Chevrolet Volt and the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid. This classification made the i3 REx eligible for California's green sticker, which identifies vehicles that can be operated by a single occupant in California's high-occupancy vehicle lanes. The i3 REx is also eligible for a \$2,500 Clean Vehicle Rebate, the same amount as pure electric cars.
The i3 is not a purpose-built electric car. BMW designed it with a compartment for a gas-powered generator at the back of the car, between the rear wheels. This generator can recharge the battery as you drive. In a purpose-built battery-only electric car, this space could have been used for more batteries or more luggage space. BMW's decision to include a gas engine in the i3 indicates that the company believes battery technology is not yet good enough.
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Frequently asked questions
The BMW i3 is an electric car that was manufactured by German marque BMW from 2013 to 2022. It is a B-segment, high-roof hatchback with an electric powertrain. It uses rear-wheel drive via a single-speed transmission and an underfloor lithium-ion battery pack with an optional range-extending petrol engine.
The range of the BMW i3 is up to 153 miles, and with the Range Extender, up to 200 miles. The BMW i3's overall ratings are lower than the other six best-selling plug-in electric vehicles.
The BMW i3 REx is technically a "series hybrid". Power to the wheels is always via electric motor but there may be a gas engine as an onboard generator. The i3 REx has been classified as a Transitional Zero Emission Vehicle (TZEV), the same classification as other plug-in hybrids such as the Chevrolet Volt and the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
