BMW i3 Concept.
The Megacity Vehicle.
The BMW i3 Concept with eDrive is an uncompromisingly sustainable vehicle designed for urban areas. Driven purely by electric power and purpose-built to meet the demands of sustainable and emission-free mobility. It embodies an intelligent form of urban transportation and commuting.
BMW i3 CONCEPT COUPE.
BORN ELECTRIC. NATURALLY INTELLIGENT.
Since 2008, the BMW Group has been investigating customer needs with regards to electric driving within the world's largest e-mobility field trial. As part of the test process, more than 20 million kilometres (12.5 million miles) of testing by more than 1,000 pilot customers in ten countries was conducted and dynamically assessed. The findings show that the distances covered by electric vehicles differ only slightly from the distances covered by conventional ones, at an average of somewhat over 40 kilometres (25 miles) a day. Based on this fact as well as findings on drivers' charging patterns and the general importance of public charging station locations to drivers, BMW i set out to design the BMW i3 Concept Coupe.
Today, thanks to intelligent BMW eDrive technology, the battery of the BMW i3 Concept Coupe is designed to require recharging just once every two to three days, which compares to a range of 130 to 160 kilometres (80 to 100 miles). BMW eDrive is as tailored to one's drive through the city as it is comfortable with longer, out-of-town journeys. A specially developed high-voltage, lithium-ion battery powers this drive system and all other vehicle functions, once more setting new benchmarks in energy efficiency. The battery's intelligent heating-cooling system ensures that its energy output (and hence the vehicle's range) is less affected by temperature fluctuations than is typical of such batteries today. Reducing the energy needed to run the BMW i3 Concept Coupe's various intelligent electrical components was also at the forefront of engineering priorities. Subsequently, the vehicle's cabin heating saves 30% of energy compared to conventional electrical heating systems, while the internal and external lighting employ energy-saving LEDs.
These are just two details that make a significant contribution to the vehicle's 160-kilometre (100 mile) range security. In addition, the use of various driving modes – as seen in the image below – can boost the range by up to 25%. These so-called "EcoPro" modes (Eco Mode and EcoPro+ Mode) mean that the Coupe's driver can comfortably extend pure electric vehicle range by up to 200 kilometres (124 miles).
BMW i8 Concept.
The most progressive sportscar.
Sometimes it is time to leave the city. Escape the restrictions of everyday life. The BMW i8 is an icon of progress. It combines the energizing performance of a sports car with benchmark efficiency.
BMW i8 CONCEPT Emotional, Dynamic and Efficient.
After successful initial testing of the vehicle concept, the decision for a series-production vehicle was quickly made. The BMW i8 Concept is the next step in the evolution of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. The result: The most progressive and innovative sports car of its time. Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric drive system from the BMW i3 Concept ? fitted over its front axle ? with a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW/220 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear. Working in tandem, they allow the two drive systems to display their respective talents to the full, delivering the performance of a sports car but the fuel consumption of a small car.
Acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under five seconds combined with fuel consumption in the European cycle of 2.7 litres per 100 kilometres (approx. 104 mpg imp) are figures currently beyond the capability of any vehicle powered by a combustion engine of comparable performance. Thanks to the eDrive technology with its large lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a domestic power supply, the BMW i8 Concept can travel up to 35 kilometres (approx. 20 miles) on electric power alone. Added to which, the 2+2-seater offers enough space for four people, giving it a high level of everyday practicality.
The LifeDrive architecture of the BMW i8 Concept has been carefully adapted to enhance the vehicle's sports car character, and therefore to deliver unbeatable performance and excellent driving dynamics. The motor in the front axle module and combustion engine at the rear are connected by an "energy tunnel", which houses the high-voltage battery. This gives the car a low centre of gravity ? and the dynamic benefits that come with it. The positioning of the electric motor and engine over their respective axles and the space-saving and well-balanced packaging of all components result in an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.