{"id":6013,"date":"2022-09-16T11:54:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-16T11:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/on-my-bike.com\/?p=6013"},"modified":"2023-11-16T09:15:10","modified_gmt":"2023-11-16T09:15:10","slug":"bmw-i3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/on-my-bike.com\/bmw-i3\/","title":{"rendered":"BMW i3: a 100% electric city car"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Are you looking for a city car? The Circulerpropre team presents the first of the i range, the BMW i3<\/strong>. Launched in 2013, it is characterized by its multiple technological innovations. Discover the history, the information you are looking for, as well as our opinion on this electric car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n In order to understand the German dealer’s involvement in the electric field, it is important to look back. Despite what one might think, the i3 BMW <\/strong>was not the group’s first electric car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Indeed, the first real clean car was created in 1972. It was the BMW 1602. It was unveiled and used during the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Many innovations have been developed since then, and have led to the concept of the BMW i3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First of all, this 100% electric car was first spotted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013. Announced from then on as a mere showcase model, the automaker made its official launch in 2013. Since then, the BMW i3 has undergone a number of modifications. Both in terms of sportiness, speed, and autonomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The i3, the i standing for electric, is an electric car based on the lines of the MegaCity Vehicule concept, with a warmer overall look and more rounded lines. The i3 BMW is different from the models that are usually found at the manufacturer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to preserve the volume of the trunk and the passenger compartment, the chassis is placed above the batteries and the electrical system. The designers did not give much information about the model during the show. Nevertheless, BMW informs that this electric car embarks a block of 125 kW, that is 170 hp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2013, the German automaker was the first to enter the high-end electric car market. This model, released in November 2013, was the result of work dating back to 2007. A sportier model, dubbed the i8, was also planned the following year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With this electric car, BMW is focusing on innovation. It is the first mass-produced car made of carbon fiber, thus lightening the weight of the vehicle. The BMW i3 is a risk-taking carmaker who has invested a lot of money in the research and development of this model. About 1 billion euros.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This investment includes the expansion of the BMW factory in Leipzig where electric cars are manufactured. More than 400 million euros. This risk-taking is also characterized by the lack of a high-end electric market in 2013, according to Antoine Bourbonneux, range manager at BMW.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a tiny share of the clean car market, 0.5%, the German carmaker relies mainly on companies for its sales. With more than 100,000 test requests, this launch was not necessarily profitable for BMW, but rather encouraging for the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The BMW i3 returns in 2017 with an impressive redesign, especially on the battery and range , which are the main flaws of the electric car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With increasing competition, it was necessary for the manufacturer to renew its range. First, in terms of aesthetics, new body colors are available. But also some new decorations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the main change in the i3 BMW, for us, is the battery. Indeed, a 33kWh model replaces the old 22 kWh one. Offering an additional 50% autonomy, that is 300 km in total.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The BMW i3 electric<\/strong> can also be equipped with an optional range extender, called REX, offering an additional 110 kilometers. The interesting aspect of the BMW i3 is that owners of the i3 22 kWh model can upgrade to the i3 33 kWh model for \u20ac9,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, the price of this new electric car is an additional \u20ac2,500, or about \u20ac39,950. However, the manufacturer has not updated the power of this model, which is 170 hp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is neither more nor less than the sporty version of the BMW i3. The i3S has 184 hp and 270 Nm of torque, which is 14 hp and 20 Nm more. This update allows the electric car to reach 0 to 100 km in 6.9 seconds, and to achieve a gain of 10 km\/h compared to the standard model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Power is not the only update! Indeed, we find on this electric car, lowered suspensions, new springs and dampers. But also, wider rims and enlarged tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over the years, the battery’s storage capacity has continued to increase. November 2018 marks the latest update to the BMW i3’s battery. Indeed, equipped with new 120 Ah cells, the range now increases to about 400 km.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The brand stands for visionary automotive concepts, inspiring design, and a new concept of premium. All this, strongly marked by sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As for the engine, the i3 BMW has an electric motor of 125 kW for 170 hp and 250 Nm. Like a rechargeable hybrid<\/a>, it recovers energy during braking or deceleration phases. With a power recovery of 50 kW, this vehicle ensures its transmission by a single gearbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of performance, the German carmaker’s electric car goes from 0 to 60 km in 3.7 seconds and 0 to 100 km in 7.9 seconds. The car is limited to a speed of 150 km\/h. This is in our opinion more than positive for the brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe history of the BMW i3<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
First appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
BMW, a pioneer in high-end electric vehicles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where is the BMW i3 manufactured?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2016: redesign of the model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2017: addition of a BMW i3S model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2018: increase in autonomy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The new BMW i3: how does it work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Motorization and performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n