BMW has officially announced the production BMW i3, the company’s first i-Series electric car for the market. This is a carbon-fiber clad urban vehicle set to reach roads from November. The new i3 will manage 128-160 km (80-100 miles) on a full charge in its cheapest $41,350 form, though a hybrid-style version with a compact two-cylinder engine will effectively double that one will have to cough an extra $1,150.
According to BMW, running costs for the i3 should work out roughly 40-percent less than its 320dA sedan, in Germany at least, over the first three years. It’s worth noting, though, that the first three years of life are unlikely to include a change of the 125 kWh Li-Ion batteries. Those batteries, paired with a 170HP electric motor, are good enough to propel the BMW i3 from 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds, with a top speed limited to around 93mph for what the company claims are efficiency reasons. Enjoy the interview with car designer in video interview below
source: Slashgear
