Production version of the BMW i3 electric
Credit: BMW/ MIT Technology Review
Car makers are very much feeling their way with EV marketing. Renault & Better Place are leasing batteries. GM is going with the on board, petrol (gasoline) powered, range extender in the Volt.
Tesla has had a long term, progressive plan:
• Roadster — expensive, niche market, high performance 2 seater which dealt with range issues with a very big, very expensive battery.
• Model S — less expensive, high performance, 5/7 seater. Solved the passenger space problem inherent in the Roadster. Niche market only by virtue of (somewhat reduced) expense.
• Model X — no production examples yet, although a prototype has been displayed. Appears to be a Model S in crossover configuration.
• Mass market vehicle — no sign of this yet, apart from infrequent throw away lines. Presumably will take advantage of falling cost & improving performance of battery technology to bring the Tesla range solution to the mass market. To a degree, this is what happened between the Roadster & Model S — more practical, similar range & performance at lower cost.
We all know there is considerable doubt that any manufacturer is making a profit from EVs.
With the i3 electric, BMW is getting creative:
• one tactic is to lend EV buyers an internal combustion engine powered vehicle for longer trips
http://www.technologyreview.com/news/511906/bmws-solution-to-limited-electric-vehicle-range-a-gas-powered-loaner/
• another tactic is a variant with a petrol powered range extender
http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/bmw-i3-electric-car-motorcycle-size.html / EV electric vehicle ICE internal combustion engine battery range cost expense range anxiety extend extended LiIon lithium ion economics market internal combustion engine ICE /
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