Looking back over the past 10 years you can see that the electric vehicle landscape has changed dramatically. The whole industry has moved very quickly with new makes, new models, new technology and a much greener outlook on the future. However, no early electric vehicle was quite as different and iconic as the BMW i3.
Whereas Tesla were rightly grabbing the headlines for their performance, the style of the Tesla Model S retained that classic saloon style that we have seen before. BMW made a brave decision to come to the electric market with a car that would defy convention. In fact, it is still the most recognisable electric car on the roads today.
There was, therefore, a tinge of sadness when it was announced that BMW would no longer be manufacturing the BMW i3 anymore from this year. Did they make the right decision or does the BMW i3 still have a relevant place on the market today?
BMW i3 – An Electric Car That Has Endured
When appearing at various shows the BMW i3 has always been a popular car with the public. There have been many updates to the battery as well as a few tweaks here and there. However, very little has actually changed with the BMW i3. You still have the classic shape, the backwards opening rear doors and the iconic colour scheme.
The BMW i3 was one of the first electric vehicles EVision brought onto the fleet all those years ago. We have found that the popularity just hasn’t dwindled. So what makes the BMW i3 so enduring?
The BMW i3 – A Story of Power and Increasing Range
Something you notice pretty quickly when driving a BMW i3 for the first time is the acceleration power. Yes, electric vehicles do have more powerful acceleration than a standard petrol or diesel vehicle; however, the BMW i3’s acceleration was really noticeable. Even compared to many modern electric vehicles, the BMW i3 really holds its own.
Another area where the BMW i3 has led the way insofar as small electric vehicles are concerned is with the range. Battery technology has improved considerably in the last 10 years. We have also seen the BMW i3 increase their battery size which, in turn, increased the available range. The BMW i3 120AH that was brought out between 2019 and 2020 will provide you with a real world range of 170 miles. This is not a figure to be sniffed at.
The range of the BMW i3 is really competitive when compared to other electric cars in the same category. The BMW i3 was also one of the very first electric cars that introduced rapid CCS charging, beating even Tesla to the punch.
Why Did BMW Decide to Stop?
It is clear that the BMW i3 is still a popular choice and that it can hold its own against modern hatchbacks. So why did BMW decide it is time to end production of the car?
Well, the BMW i3 has done the job that it was intended to do. It showed that BMW are a serious player in the electric vehicle market and that they can be trusted to provide a quality product in the electric car world. Now they feel that it is the right time to put the BMW i3 to bed and look to the future, producing the next generation of electric cars that will blow our socks off.
Was it the right time to do so? I’m not so sure. Like I have said, the BMW i3 is still a very capable car. It has a competitive range and it has proven to be a popular model with fans. I think that there are still legs left in the BMW i3 market. However, I can understand it from the point of view of BMW. They’ve said “this is what we can do”. Now it is time to see what they come up with next. I doubt, however, that they will ever be able to come up with something as iconic as the BMW i3.
The BMW i3 is Still Available From EVision
OK, so BMW may have moved on from the i3 and, therefore, you won’t be able to purchase these little wonders anymore. However, we have the BMW i3 at EVision and we will continue hiring them out for as long as they are in demand.
Visit our website to find out more about the models of BMW i3 on our fleet and to hire yours today. We can’t wait to see you soon.
