The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid based on the Vision concept first shown in 2009.
BMW is showing a rebadged version of its i8 Concept Spyder at Auto China 2012 in Beijing. In future, the designation eDrive will identify the drive technology for all electric and plug-in hybrid cars from BMW as indicated on the new badge on the old concept car.
Back in February BWM introduced the new “BMW i sub-brand” of electric and hybrid cars that will debut in 2013 with the production of BMW i3 and BMW i8. BMW also established a holding company called BMW i Ventures capitalized at $100 million. Let’s see – i before e except after…
BMW eDrive comprises the components of the electric drivetrain: the electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack, a motor management system. This technology ensures that electro-mobility with BMW eDrive offers a “unique” and no doubt very expensive experience.
The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid based on the Vision concept first shown in 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. A 3 series plug-in is also on the way. They will be built in Leipzig, after an estimated investment of €400 million and the creation of 800 jobs.
At that time BMW claimed the i8 sports car accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, with electronically limited top speed 250 km/h. Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 3.76 liters/100 km and CO2 emissions are 99 grams/kilometer.
Both the i3 and i8 models are clearly designed to garner credits so that BMW can continue to sell conventional cars and trucks that emit higher levels of CO2; both use extensive amounts of aluminum and other light weight materials to partially offset the mass of their lithium ion batteries.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, publisher (kzhw@aol.com), is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
Zino is at home on test tracks, knows his way around U.S. Congressional hearing rooms, auto company headquarters, plant floors, as well as industry research and development labs where the real mobility work is done. He can quote from court decisions, refer to instrumented road tests, analyze financial results, and profile executive personalities and corporate cultures.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
