The BMW i3 is designed for use in urban areas and has a carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger compartment and an aluminium chassis.
The first pre-series BMW i3 came off the production line in January 2013. It will be on the market by the end of 2013.
The i3 will be 250-350 kg lighter than a conventional electric car, BMW reports, and it has an approximate range of 150 km.
The BMW i3 will require only half the time needed to produce a conventional vehicle, according to BMW, as a result of "unique production methods and a significantly lower number of assembly parts."
BMW also says it has developed time-saving repair methods specially for the CFRP components of the BMW i3. As a result, all of the accident repair costs are similar to those of a BMW 1-Series.
Also see:
