According to BMW, the i3 will be the world’s first mass produced carbon-fibre bodied vehicle and will weigh only 1 250 kg, including the battery pack. This four-door passenger vehicle will feature an electric powertrain developing 125 kW and 250 N.m driving the rear wheels .
We have driven a 1 Series ActiveE prototype electric vehicle with this powertrain and, despite being 500 kg heavier than the i3, it was responsive, extremely quiet and refined. The i3s performance should be brisk, with an expected 0-100 km time of around 8 seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h.
Expect a useable operating range of around 160 km on a full charge. 100 units will arrive in South Africa in 2014 with an estimated price of around R 450 000.