The world is switching over to the hybrid cars and the electric cars are the biggest innovation that commuters are moving to. One such car that can be noted for its performance, range and unparalleled innovation is BMW i3. The usage of innovative of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) by BMW makes it par excellence.
The comparison comes directly with Tesla and the only flaw that can be found in comparison is the range. While the tesla cars can run up to 265 miles, with its 85 kWh motor, BMW i3 runs an estimated 81 miles per charge, even though it is perfectly acceptable for non-commuters, but many a detractors will surely see the downfall while comparing.
The Tesla with its high range also comes with few disadvantages which makes BMW i3 much more preferable. The Tesla’s high range can only be achieved with massive battery packs that add to the weight and the time taken to charge is increased by a lot, hence seeming a redundant factor in an electric car. The cost of the Tesla car is almost two times the cost of i3 with Tesla costing nearly $82.500 before federal tax benefits as compared to i3’s $42,400, before tax incentives.
Agreed, that the Tesla costs almost double than i3 but the range is the biggest fear among the customers in dilemma to make the switch to electric cars. So, no matter how fantastic BMW i3 is, the company must keep on innovating and the further step logically seems to be an i5.
BMW, with its continuous use of CFRP technology will slowly discover the various uses of it and the lightweight material in general leading to development of CFRP intensive, lighter, faster and cheaper cars that will provide more luxury and high range. This in turn will help BMW to take the Tesla Model S, head on.
Assuming that BMW i5 uses a CFRP body structure and the Model S using the conventional car chassis with massive, hulking battery packs, i5 will have the advantage of light weightiness making more room for bigger batteries and motor as compared to the i3 model and still have a range and performance similar to Model S.
There is more to the less weight benefits on a car than range and speed. The lighter car will handle better and the comfort level would also be high. An i5 ride with its light weightiness, as opposed to its Tesla counterpart would feel more agile and swift. Also an improvement can be made on the tires, which currently in i3 give a feel of riding with bicycle tires. The i5 could have normal tires and hence increase the performance and ride comfort that the conventional drivers are used to.
The conventional BMW 3 series and 5 series drivers are not willing to switch from the BMW they are use to. The new style of driving is not easily adapted by them and is averse to something foreign and different like i3. The i5 can be the answer to all their problems; if the range is nearing to Tesla’s Model S along with the price and size, i5 could easily be an alternative to current series 5 customers.
Source: Autobei
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