BMW has unveiled concepts of electric and hybrid vehicles that will go into production and be marketed under its new i sub-brand. The new i3 city car goes on sale in 2013 and the i8 sports car due is in 2014. BMW plans to introduce additional i models down the road as part of a major push to meet stricter fuel economy and emissions standards around the globe. The rear-wheel drive electric i3 Concept has a 170-hp electric motor over the rear axle. It achieves 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just under eight seconds and has an electronically governed 150 km/h (93 mph).
The four-seat car has front-hinged front doors and rear-hinged rear doors. The upper-body is made of carbon fibre and the drive system module that holds the battery package, electronics and motor is made of light-weight aluminium. The i3 Concept is a zero-emissions vehicle, which is claimed to have a range of 130-160km (80-100 miles) on a full charge. BMW said the car has been developed for use in an urban environment. The i8 Concept plug-in hybrid uses a modified electric drive system from the i3 Concept that is fitted over the front axle, as well as a three-cylinder combustion engine with 220bhp.