The BMW i3’s 170 horsepower (127 kW) and 184 lb-ft (249 N·m) of torque hybrid-synchronous electric motor, developed and produced by BMW, is electrified by a 22-kWh lithium-ion battery, good for 80-100 miles of driving. Designed from the ground up to be an electric car, the BMW i3 uses the industry’s first mass produced carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell mounted on an aluminum chassis.

The BMW i3 will offer interior space comparable to the BMW 3 Series on a shorter overall body. Its 32.3-foot turning circle and a relatively long wheelbase make it agile and engaging to drive, yet ideally suited to driving in dense urban areas.

Charging is possible either with the home charging station supplied by BMW i or at any public charging station that uses a Level 2 SAE J1772 charging system. DC fast charging, using the SAE DC Combo-Fast Charger, will be available as an option. From a public fast-charging station, it will provide an 80% charge from a fully depleted battery in just 20 minutes.

Hydro-electric, wind and solar power are used to power the CFRP production facilities in Moses Lake, Washington and the Leipzig, Germany assembly line. Sustainable materials are also used for the BMW i3 interior upholstery and trim. The BMW i3 will make its world debut at three simultaneous events in New York, London and Beijing on Monday, 29 July. It will arrive in US showrooms in the second quarter of 2014.

In Germany, the base price for the i3 is €34,950 (US$46,126); the BMW i3 will be available to customers in Germany in November 2013.