Allison Can You Explain What i3 Is?

The modern, sleek design of the BMW i3 has everyone talking. What is it about this revolutionary car that stands out from the others on the market? The BMW i3 has a carbon-fiber/aluminum structure, allowing the vehicle to go from zero to 60mph in under 7 seconds. Here is the real kicker, the car averages 81 miles per charge, and it has a small gas tank allowing the car to run an extra 150 miles if you run out of battery power.  The BMW i3 is the future of cars as it will drastically reduce emissions, contributing to cleaner air, and reducing the risk of global warming.

How the i3 is Different
BMW is known for producing sporty sedans, so to see a smaller car that is energy efficient with an awkward design is unusual from this massive car manufacturer. The top speed of the BMW i3 tops out at 56 mph. The interior has a climate-controlled system, only blowing unconditioned air from the outside.

Responsive Braking System and Engine
BMW found that drivers rely on the engine brakes 75% of the time when they are driving. They found a way to use the braking to their advantage to recharge the engine, and limit the size of the engine. Some people call the i3 the “little engine that could” as it comes in at 3-cylinders, but is still powerful enough to take you over 300 miles. The confusion with the i3 lies in the way you drive it. When you pull your foot off the accelerator, the engine will initiate a regenerative braking scheme that begins converting kinetic energy into electricity. You don’t even need to brake with the i3 once you figure out the responsive deceleration system. It doesn’t slow abruptly, but it will slow the car to a complete stop. The regenerative braking system is a step forward in progressive car design. In as little as 160 feet, the car can come to a complete stop even if it starts at 70 mph all thanks to the responsive braking system.

Construction
The BMW i3 is built in factories that are powered by wind. Using electric energy to run, the i3 is near-silent when it drives. The large glass windows bring sunlight into the car, giving the driver a feeling they are part of the environment instead of closed off from it inside a car.