Among electric vehicles, the BMW i3 provides customers with two choices: a pure electric vehicle with no gas-powered generator to extend driving range and a hybrid electric vehicle outfitted with a range extender. Both variants along with another model, the BMW i8, give this German manufacturer a foothold in the EV segment.
We’ll take a look at the BMW offerings as well as some other players in the segment — from luxury and mainstream brands alike. Saving fuel isn’t the only reason to contemplate an EV — reducing pollution and protecting the environment are additional considerations.
BMW i3 and BMW i8
BMW made a big splash when the company released a pair of electrified vehicles for the 2014 model year. The two models couldn’t be more …show more content…
Electric-only models have a range of approximately 81miles. Opt for the ranger extender version and a gasoline generator extends that range to 150 miles. With prices starting under $50,000, the BMW i3 offers a slight price premium over the two most common models of our day — the pure electric Nissan Leaf and the plug-in hybrid electric Chevrolet Volt.
For people who want a sports car based on an electrified platform, the BMW i8 is worth considering. Unlike the boxy i3, the BMW i8 is a sleek, mid-engined sports coupe with scissor or swan-wing doors. Its shark-nose grille and super car deportment gives this model the eye candy enthusiasts love. Available as a hybrid-only model, the i8 relies on a turbocharged 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine to supplement the electric motor, enabling this EV to race from 0-to-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. A combined 357 horsepower and 420 foot-pounds of torque are what help move this gallant beast.
Chevrolet …show more content…
This California-based company took to the market in 2008 with the vehicle that kicked off the modern EV era: the Tesla Roadster. Produced in small quantities until 2011, the Roadster served as the test production model that has since yielded two additional Tesla products.
The Tesla Model S has proven that mass produced, high-end electric vehicles can be built and sold. Introduced in 2012, the Model S was initially offered in four trim levels and rear-wheel drive. Seating up to seven, the powerful battery system provides an electric-only range of up to 250 miles. Incremental changes to battery power and availability as well as optional all-wheel drive beginning in 2014 has kept this model at the top of its game. The Tesla Model S has been so successful that it has been siphoning sales from its European competitors, including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and the Audi
We’ll take a look at the BMW offerings as well as some other players in the segment — from luxury and mainstream brands alike. Saving fuel isn’t the only reason to contemplate an EV — reducing pollution and protecting the environment are additional considerations.
BMW i3 and BMW i8
BMW made a big splash when the company released a pair of electrified vehicles for the 2014 model year. The two models couldn’t be more …show more content…
Electric-only models have a range of approximately 81miles. Opt for the ranger extender version and a gasoline generator extends that range to 150 miles. With prices starting under $50,000, the BMW i3 offers a slight price premium over the two most common models of our day — the pure electric Nissan Leaf and the plug-in hybrid electric Chevrolet Volt.
For people who want a sports car based on an electrified platform, the BMW i8 is worth considering. Unlike the boxy i3, the BMW i8 is a sleek, mid-engined sports coupe with scissor or swan-wing doors. Its shark-nose grille and super car deportment gives this model the eye candy enthusiasts love. Available as a hybrid-only model, the i8 relies on a turbocharged 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine to supplement the electric motor, enabling this EV to race from 0-to-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. A combined 357 horsepower and 420 foot-pounds of torque are what help move this gallant beast.
Chevrolet …show more content…
This California-based company took to the market in 2008 with the vehicle that kicked off the modern EV era: the Tesla Roadster. Produced in small quantities until 2011, the Roadster served as the test production model that has since yielded two additional Tesla products.
The Tesla Model S has proven that mass produced, high-end electric vehicles can be built and sold. Introduced in 2012, the Model S was initially offered in four trim levels and rear-wheel drive. Seating up to seven, the powerful battery system provides an electric-only range of up to 250 miles. Incremental changes to battery power and availability as well as optional all-wheel drive beginning in 2014 has kept this model at the top of its game. The Tesla Model S has been so successful that it has been siphoning sales from its European competitors, including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and the Audi