The BMW i3 Electric Hatchback: The Complete Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The BMW i3 Electric Hatchback

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BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG), is a leading global automotive manufacturer headquartered in Munich, Germany. BMW is well known for its portfolio of luxury vehicles, to include the famed Rolls-Royce luxury cars.

The group manufacturers a number of cars under its BMW brand, to include battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The BMW i3 EV is an excellent example of a successful pure electric car. The company currently has the following portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs):

• All-electric BMW iX3
• All-electric BMW iX1
• All-electric BMW iX2
• All-Electric BMW i5
• All-Electric BMW i7
• All-electric BMW iX
• All-electric BMW i4
• All-electric BMW i3

The BMW i3 electric hatchback is part of the BMW zero-emission sub brand ‘BMW i’. The plug-in pure electric i3 car is the first mass-market BEV manufactured by BMW. The BMW i3 made its debut at the International Motor Show in Germany 2011, with production commencing in 2013 in Leipzig, Germany.

The BMW i3 has won a number of awards, to include, the World Green Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year, World Car of the Year and an iF Product Design Gold Award. The larger EV battery pack (42.2 kWh) was announced in 2018. In October 2017, the 100,000th BMW i3 rolled off the production line and the 200,000th BMW i3 rolled off the Leipzig production line in October 2020.   

The pure electric BMW i3 has a 42.2 kWh onboard EV battery. It is true, in that, the more recent introduction of electric cars have a larger EV battery, but given the positioning of the i3 electric car as a city car, the 42.2 kWh battery size is appropriate. The manufacturer claims a zero-emission electric range up to 308 km for the i3 and up to 280 km for the sportier i3s variant.

Though this pure electric range may not be as impressive as some recent alternatives, it is no doubt useful for most day-to-day needs and for shorter commutes on the motorway. The electric car also incorporates regenerative braking to increase efficiency and electric range.

Even accounting for the real-world range, the BMW i3 has a decent electric range. Depending on the driving profile, weather conditions, road surface, wheel size, onboard services used, expect a real-world electric range closer to 260 km for the BMW i3.

The EV offers DC charging up to 50 kW and can be charged from 0%-80% in 42 minutes. Though the electric car incorporates an 11 kW (3-phase) onboard charger, given that most homes in India are single-phase (7.4 kW), expected the EV battery to be fully charged in around 6 hours.

We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight when the electricity tariff prices are cheaper and we also encourage the use of a dedicated home EV charging station like zappi, which is compatible with solar energy. We discourage the use of a domestic 3-PIN plug for charging an electric car.

In terms of performance, the rear-wheel drive BMW i3 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, with a 150 km/h top speed (maximum power: 170 hp/ torque: 250 Nm). The higher performance BMW i3s variant can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds (maximum power: 184 hp/ torque: 250 Nm). The electric car also benefits from instant torque.

In terms of exterior stying, the BMW i3 has always made a bold statement, given it futuristic styling. The build and interior quality is what you would expect from a premium brand like BMW. Though the electric hatchback is compact, surprisingly the interior cabin does not feel as small, even for passengers seated on the rear seats. Moreover, access to the rear seats is easy, given the unique rear-door configuration offered on this model. The boot space is limited to 260 L.

Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The BMW i3 electric car is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
11 kW on-board charger	DC charging limited to 50 kW
Good build and interior quality	Small boot and rear headroom limited
A good option as a used car	Cheaper alternatives available

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The All-Electric BMW i3 Hatchback (credit: BMW)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Body Type:	Hatchback
Engine:	Electric
Available In India:	No

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Trims (1 Option)
BMW i3 (from ₹ N/A)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 42.2 kWh
Charging:	50 kW DC charging (0%-80%: 42 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	0g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1590
Width (mm):	1791
Length (mm):	4006
Wheelbase (mm):	2570
Turning Circle (m):	9.9
Boot Space (L):	260

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BMW i3 120Ah
EV Battery Capacity:	42.2 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	308 km
Electric Energy Consumption (km/kWh):	3.9 – 4.1
Charging:	50 kW DC charging (0%-80%: 42 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC
Top Speed:	150 km/h
0-100 km/h:	7.3 seconds
Drive:	Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	125
Max Power (hp):	170
Torque (Nm):	250
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	4
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight-EU (kg):	1,345
Colours:	7
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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BMW i3s 120Ah
EV Battery Capacity:	42.2 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	280 km
Electric Energy Consumption (km/kWh):	3.8
Charging:	50 kW DC charging (0%-80%: 42 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC
Top Speed:	150 km/h
0-100 km/h:	6.9 seconds
Drive:	Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	135
Max Power (hp):	184
Torque (Nm):	250
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	4
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight-EU (kg):	1,365
Colours:	7
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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Benefits Of Electric Driving

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The benefits of electric driving are many, with significant advantageous over petrol and diesel internal combustion (ICE) engine cars, for all stakeholders. These benefits include:

• Lower to zero-tailpipe emissions
• Lower running costs
• Lower taxes
• Lower maintenance costs
• Lower noise pollution
• Convenience of charging at home
• Smoother drive
• Instant torque for acceleration
• Lower environmental impact

Below we have highlighted three of our favourite benefits of owning and driving an electric car.

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Improved Air Quality

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) or all-electric vehicles do not have tailpipe pollution. In fact, such electric cars do not even have a tailpipe! Zero-emission electric driving has a real and immediate impact on local air quality i.e. improving air quality. 

While, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have reduced tailpipe pollution compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. The sooner we migrate to electric driving in India, the sooner we can improve air quality for all our cities, towns and villages. Lower air pollution will also result in a reduced number of health issues arising from inhaling toxic pollutants.

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Lower Maintenance & Running Costs

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Electric vehicles (EVs) are cheaper to maintain and drive. Pure electric cars have far fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The fewer the moving parts, the lower the probability of repair and maintenance. Moreover charging an electric car can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres! A full charge can cost between Rs 100 and Rs 200. Significantly cheaper than filling a tank of petrol or diesel!

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Lower Noise Pollution

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Yes, we in India are far more resilient to noise pollution than those living in the western world. We have certainly got used to horns blaring and engines roaring, day and night. But that does not mean we enjoy or welcome noise pollution. In fact, quite the opposite!

Though much focus has been on the advantageous of ‘air quality’ with an electric car, just as important, is the benefit of lower noise pollution. In fact, pure electric cars are silent, with an inbuilt ‘sound booster’ to increase road safety for pedestrians.

As our cities in India and across the world become densely populated with cars, the significant negative impact on ‘quality of life’ as a result of increased noise pollution from petrol and diesel vehicles, is just as dangerous, as increased air pollution. Battery-electric cars are a perfect solution in reducing noise pollution and increasing the living standards for us all. Of course, one can only hope that the self inflicted ‘horn blaring’ pollution will also reduce!

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Types Of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

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“Electric vehicle” is an umbrella term, and a broad one at that. There are a number of different types of electric vehicles (EVs), each with its distinct characteristics and advantages. These include:

• BEVs: Battery-electric vehicles (pure electric)
• PHEVs: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) combined)
• MHEVs: Mild hybrid electric vehicles (internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel) along with regenerative braking)
• FCEVs: Fuel cell electric vehicle (electric with hydrogen as fuel)

The above “types” are powered either entirely or partially by electric energy and have different environmental impacts.

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Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), also known as pure electric vehicles, are powered entirely by electricity (i.e. the vehicle does not have a conventional internal combustion engine). BEVs have zero-tailpipe emissions and help improve local air quality.

BEVs are also very economical to drive. A BEV can cost as little as Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive. Examples of best-selling EVs include, the all-electric Tesla Model 3 and the all-electric Renault Zoe.

A BEV is charged by plugging in the electric vehicle to a dedicated electric car charging station (home or public charging stations). BEVs are well suited for those living in towns, cities and urban centres. Of course, battery-electric vehicles are also suitable for those living in rural settings.

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Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) differ from battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), in that, PHEVs use both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric engine for propulsion. Plug-in hybrid vehicles combine the advantages of electric driving and internal combustion engine driving.

On shorter distances, the PHEV uses the electric mode to drive emission-free, using the on-board EV battery and regenerative braking. For longer distances, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles switches to using the internal combustion engine.

With a PHEV, the vehicle can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive on e-mode, without any tailpipe pollution, and also be driven long-distances, without the fear of range anxiety! Most PHEVs have an EV battery of up to 15 kWh and can achieve a zero-emission electric range of up to 50 kilometres.

No wonder PHEVs are fast becoming popular globally, with much potential or India. Like a BEV, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is charged by using an external power source (EV charging point) for charging.

PHEVs are suitable for those that drive long-distances on a regular basis but want to lower the negative environmental impact from tailpipe pollution. PHEVs are also suitable for those individuals and families that are seeking to save money by taking advantage of electric driving. The Volvo XC40 PHEV and the Volkswagen Golf 8 are good examples of PHEVs.

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Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)

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Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are a limited form of electric driving. These vehicles also use hybrid technologies (electric driving and internal combustion engine), but the EV battery is much smaller than a BEV or PHEV.

Moreover, in a mild hybrid, the EV battery cannot be charged via an external source (i.e. EV charging station). In a MHEV, the battery is charged by capturing the energy released during braking, a process known as regenerative braking. MHEVs have lower tailpipe emissions, and are more economical to own, run and maintain than petrol and diesel cars.

MHEVs are a better option than a petrol or diesel car, but not as good an option as a BEV or PHEV. Mild hybrids are well suited for those living in regions with limited charging infrastructure. Again, MHEVs have great potential in India, given the limited public EV charging infrastructure.

The Toyota Prius is a good example of a mild hybrid electric vehicle.

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) also called hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, have a fuel cell stack that uses hydrogen to generate the electricity needed to power the electric vehicle. The fuel cell generates electricity and pure water vapour that can escape via the tailpipe.

It is capable of generating electricity as long as there is a steady supply of hydrogen. Fuel cell electric vehicles can be refuelled with hydrogen at purpose built filling stations. Filling an FEC takes no more than five minutes.

FCEVs have a range of about 500 kilometers or more between refueling. Today, the only and major limitation is the very limited hydrogen refuelling station network globally. The Toyota Mirai FCEV is a good example of this type of EV.

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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