BMW says its use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) in its i3 electric vehicle will save around 300kg in weight following the start of of production in 2013.
Unveiling the i3 and i8 plug-in hybrid today (21 February) in Munich, BMW maintained the use of carbon fibre was a “small revolution” in vehicle production.
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“The i3 will be the first volume production car [whose] body is made up of CFRP,” said BMW development board member Klaus Draeger.
“This is a small revolution in car manufacturing – this brings advantages because of the life drive technology and because of carbon we will offset the weight of the battery almost completely – we can save about 300kg.”
Draeger also left open the possibility of further models in its i range following start of production in two years.
“There is latitude for more products – there is lots of space between i3 and i8 isn’t there?” he said.”
To distinguish its i3 and i8 brands, BMW will place a blue circle around its traditional badge, while the grille will also be outlined in blue. A prominent i will also be transparent.
