In launching and marketing the BMW i3, executives commonly referred
to the electric vehicle as an urban mobility vehicle meant for
transporting city folk to and from their destinations within the 82-mile
driving range. However, the inclusion of a gas-powered range-extender
that effectively doubles that i3’s driving range has made it a big hit
outside of cities, reports Automotive News.
Unsurprisingly, California is the largest market for the BMW i3, and
two BMW dealers have even opened standalone i-dealerships solely for
selling the i3 and its in-demand sibling, the i8. But Texas and South
Florida have also proven popular hotspots for the i3. But the
typically-liberal Northeast, specifically places like New York City,
have apparently turned up their nose at the electric Bimmer. According
to Ludwig Willisch, CEO of BMW of North America, New Yorkers apparently
don’t put the same priority on electric vehicles as other parts of the
country.
It actually makes sense for the i3 to be more popular with EV
enthusiasts who live outside of major metro areas. Sales of the i3 are already approaching 1,000 units a month, and at 20,000 units sold the i3 starts to make money for BMW.
The optional range-extender turns the i3 into an extended-range
electric car with a 150 mile range and the option to quickly refill the
two-gallon gas tank. While all-electric range drops by about 10 miles
per charge, the extra range from the gas generator means you can take
the i3 all the way to its battery limitations, and still have a couple
of hours of range left.
Makes sense to me, and for BMW the i3 is quickly becoming a popular
alternative to traditional combustion vehicles for both country and city
folk.
Posts
