BMW i3 is headed to the US in January 2014; priced around $35,000

The much-anticipated BMW i3 EV will arrive at U.S. dealerships in January 2014, with the hybrid i3’s following a couple months after.  The BMW i3 EV will be priced at $34,500 in the US., before tax credits, offering an affordable, electric rear-drive EV with a bit of BMW magic.

In addition to a pure-electric model, there is a $2,000 option that will include the range extending two-cylinder 600cc engine.  The engine will work only as a generator and have no direct contact with the drive axle.  That is a fairly cheap “range doubling” option.  $2,000 for twice the range is definitely worth it.  Thank you, BMW!

The full-EV version of the i3 will have a range of 125 miles on a full charge.  The electric motor will provide 168 horsepower and 184 pound-feet or torque, good for a 0-60 mph sprint in about 7 seconds, as fast (if not faster) than many comparable gas-powered cars.

The battery will be able to be charged in 3 different ways.  The main way is by a public or a personal garage charging station, though it should be pointed out that the personal garage charging station is not included in the price of the BMW i3. The second way is in Eco Pro & Eco Pro Plus modes.  These two modes add resistance to the drivetrain for a rolling type of energy recuperation, allowing the driver to recapture some lost energy.  The last way is the normal brake energy and coasting regeneration.

The electric motor is situated in the back on top of the rear axle with the battery pack under the passenger compartment.  In the hybrid version, the engine will be located with the electric motor in the back. The i3 is set to arrive in January 2014 and we are looking forward to its arrival.

For Chevy Volt money, who wouldn’t want a BMW EV?

Source: Autoblog