Photo: BMW
This weekend, BMW delivered the first ever i3 in the US, marking a new era for the German manufacturer. The lucky man that is now driving the first such car on the American continent is Charles Rabie, a Tufts University professor of practice.
The Boston resident was the lucky number 1 on the list and has been part of the Electronauts team, driving a BMW ActiveE since 2012. This delivery comes as a sign of respect from the Germans that want to reward those that dared help them develop the i brand.
Amongst the first people to also receive an i3 is E! Entertainment’s former leading correspondent, Ashlan Gorse Cousteau, married to renowned documentary filmmaker and environmentalist Philippe Cousteau, grandson of Jacques Cousteau.
“Today marks a big day at BMW of North America - What started out as a dream for an innovative sustainable vehicle under the BMW i brand can now be found on streets across the U.S.,” said Ludwig Willisch, President & CEO, BMW of North America at the event.
The i3 and the i sub-brand are looking to offer a sustainable alternative to fun-driving cars that are currently running on fossil fuels. Being developed with the help of over 200 so-called Electronauts that have been driving electric vehicles from BMW and MINI for the last 3 years, gathering valuable data about usage and needs, the new division aims to provide you with everything you need, pollution free.
In this regard, even their plants and manufacturing process are as eco as possible. The Moses Lake plant, where the CFRP is made, uses energy produced locally through a hydroelectric power station, wind turbines and solar power.
Furthermore, the Leipzig plant where the i3 and i8 are assembled follows the same pattern, looking to leave the smallest of prints of the environment.
The i3 can be bought in the US for a starting price of $41,350 MSRP while the range-extender version will set you back $45,200. The all-electric model is good for 81 miles (130 km) according to the EPA and has a fuel efficiency of 124 MPGe.
Amongst the first people to also receive an i3 is E! Entertainment’s former leading correspondent, Ashlan Gorse Cousteau, married to renowned documentary filmmaker and environmentalist Philippe Cousteau, grandson of Jacques Cousteau.
“Today marks a big day at BMW of North America - What started out as a dream for an innovative sustainable vehicle under the BMW i brand can now be found on streets across the U.S.,” said Ludwig Willisch, President & CEO, BMW of North America at the event.
The i3 and the i sub-brand are looking to offer a sustainable alternative to fun-driving cars that are currently running on fossil fuels. Being developed with the help of over 200 so-called Electronauts that have been driving electric vehicles from BMW and MINI for the last 3 years, gathering valuable data about usage and needs, the new division aims to provide you with everything you need, pollution free.
In this regard, even their plants and manufacturing process are as eco as possible. The Moses Lake plant, where the CFRP is made, uses energy produced locally through a hydroelectric power station, wind turbines and solar power.
Furthermore, the Leipzig plant where the i3 and i8 are assembled follows the same pattern, looking to leave the smallest of prints of the environment.
The i3 can be bought in the US for a starting price of $41,350 MSRP while the range-extender version will set you back $45,200. The all-electric model is good for 81 miles (130 km) according to the EPA and has a fuel efficiency of 124 MPGe.
Google News