With the launch of the magnanimous i8, BMW introduced their ‘i’ brand in India which will spawn many more cars on similar family patterns. As a first (or let us say the second product in the lineup), they showcased their i3 to the media as well.
While the smaller i3 will NOT be launched in the country this year, the German manufacturer might bring the car to India based on the public reaction and the manner in which the government supports it via the National Electric Mobility Mission route, obviously along with the response they receive for the flagship i8.
About BMW i3
The i3 is the world’s first volume production vehicle to use carbon fibre reinforced plastic as a weight saving method to increase its range and was launched in Europe in November 2013. The car uses an electric motor to produce the power equivalent to 170 horses with 250 Nm of torque. It claims to have a top speed of 150 kmph and can hit the ton in 7 seconds. Further, BMW says that it takes just half an hour to reach a charge level of 80 per cent and a full charge takes just 3.5 hours.
The company also offers a range extender 647 twin pot sourced from the C650 GT motorcycle which extends the range of the car to 320 km thanks to the 9 L fuel tank present in the European version. The all electric range is pegged at 130 km.
There is a huge problem though. The whole concept of a the i3 is to have a zero carbon footprint method of city transportation, and the whole idea will be shattered in India if we do not work on India’s electricity generation. We are a country which produces more than 50 per cent of its electricity by burning coal which is not clean. Until and unless the country develops a safe renewable form of electricity generation, electric vehicles are not really a good option for India, but the i3 looks awesome!
BMW i3 Pics
