AutoblogGreen

1. We so NEED electric cars. But knowing BMW, it'll be 'Tesla-priced'...

Posted at 7:30PM on Mar 12th 2008 by Mark

2. 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.

Posted at 8:13PM on Mar 12th 2008 by David Wright

3. 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.

Posted at 1:54AM on Mar 13th 2008 by infix

4. 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.

Posted at 4:37AM on Mar 13th 2008 by rgseidl

5. 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!

Posted at 12:36PM on Mar 13th 2008 by PM

6. 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.

Posted at 1:23PM on Mar 13th 2008 by MikeInNC

7. 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.

Posted at 10:56PM on Apr 11th 2008 by george