BMW’s i3 points way to automotive future
THERE are many representations of the future of zero- emissions motoring.
Consider one: the 2017 BMW i3, a compact electric car offered with the Range Extender - a 600 cc, 2- cylinder, direct- drive petrol engine, fed by a 2.5- gallon fuel tank. The small engine is installed primarily to assuage the anxieties of people worried about driving with electric power alone.
Currently, an electric i3 can be had with a 114-mile allelectric range. It is perfect for drivers who have made peace with dedicated commuting, say 30 miles to work and 30 back home with a minor side trip. Once returned, or parked where electrical charging is allowed, the all- electric driver can plug in and power up again.
At home, using a regular household 120-volt charge system, recharging to a 114-mile range will take 12 to 14 hours. Using a “quick- charge” system supplied by BMW will take about four to six hours.
There’s this: If your daily round-trip commute is 60 miles, you have little or no need to visit a traditional fuel station.
The 2017 i3 has a larger battery that stores 45 per cent more power than its predecessor.
BMW is representative of the trend. It wants to keep its electric cars “all green” from production to customer delivery.
My wife, Mary Anne, and I drove the 2017 i3 with Range Extender several times from Gainesville, Virginia, to Arlington using Interstate 66 and Route 29. Each round trip was 73 miles. We had no problems and required no fuel stops. We simply plugged in overnight at home.
Bottom line: The i3 with the optional Range Extender is not inexpensive. It is US$ 54,295 (about RM233,000) with advanced electronic safety options. Is it worth it? Yes.
Engine/transmission: A lithium-ion battery provides enough power to the electric motor to deliver the equivalent of 170 horsepower and 184 poundfeet of torque. The electric motor can be paired with a 600 cc, 2cylinder, direct- drive gasoline engine that extends the car’s range by about 60 miles. The transmission is a single- speed automatic.
Body style/layout: Four- door hatchback.
Capacities: The i3 seats four passengers. Cargo capacity is 9.2 cubic feet with all seats up and 38.8 cubic feet (1,098 litres) with the split rear seats folded.
Safety: Standard equipment includes ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes; fourwheel anti-lock brake protection; emergency braking preparation; stability and traction control; and side air bags. A full suite of advanced electronic safety options is available.
Price: The 2017 BMW i3 starts at US$ 47,450 ( RM204,000). — Washington Post.