Filed under: EV/Plug-in, BMW
Will the U.S. get a BMW electric car? Decision coming later this year
BMW seems to like the idea of an efficient new micro-car to offset the emissions of some of the brand's more egregious models in the upcoming EU carbon rules. There's more potential good news for people who'd like to drive a BMW that's green as all get out: there is a chance that the blue-and-white might build an all-electric car for the U.S. market. Automotive News (subs req'd) is reporting that a decision on such a car will come later this year. According to AN, one key question is whether to go it alone or work with a partner (Daimler, anyone?) on this vehicle. We're not picky.[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mark 7:30PM (3/12/2008)
We so NEED electric cars. But knowing BMW, it'll be 'Tesla-priced'...
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David Wright 8:13PM (3/12/2008)
It does mean that we get yet another carmaker pushing for suitable battery development. That's useful to the whole EV market. The greater the imperative the greater the likely progress.
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infix 1:54AM (3/13/2008)
Again, this is all I need:
* 2 seats + room for (at least) 2 bags of groceries
* electric (no hybrid, please)
* 60 MPH top speed
* 60 mile range
* recharge overnight
* price under $20K
...somehow I don't think BMW would be able to deliver that last requirement.
Less is more.
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rgseidl 4:37AM (3/13/2008)
According to www.automobilwoche.de, the driving force behind this isn't so much the EU's upcoming regulation on fleet average CO2 emissions as California's ZEV mandate.
So far, BMW and Mini combined are selling less than 60,000 units annually into that market, so the company is still partially exempt from having to produce any true zero (tailpipe) emissions vehicles. It expects to cross the threshold in 2012, which means it must make a decision on whether and where to build a true EV this year to give itself enough lead time. Variants equipped with small ICEs would be developed for other markets, e.g. Europe and Asia.
BMW could also develop the EV on its own but would prefer to have a partner - presumably Mercedes, which is further along in Li-ion R&D. The vehicle will be a four-seater but smaller than the current Mini. Its brand and model name have not been decided yet, though "Isetta" has been bandied about.
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PM 12:36PM (3/13/2008)
European car companies are strating to lean toward this technology more and more. Zaps new EV is a joint project with Lotus for example. And it's a serious car, 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds!
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MikeInNC 1:23PM (3/13/2008)
If the car won['t do 85mph it won't sell in the US b/c you won't be able to take it on the interstate. All i want is light, at least 85mph top speed, 100 mile range and great handling. Hey, it IS a BMW. Of course room for 3 adults would be nice too.
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george 10:56PM (4/11/2008)
The BMW dealer had a small car on there lot that could be electric.Didn't have time to stop and look but today when I went by the cares were gone.Going back tomorrow to check and see what these were and will there be any more.
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