BMW has announced the name and the date of its two all-new alternative-powertrain high-tech carbon-bodied cars. The plug-in diesel-electric AWD supercar, based on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept, will reach dealers as the i8. The artist formerly known as the Mega City Vehicle, a pure-electric city car, will be called i3. Both will be launched in 2013.
The i8 name was predictable: It will be a topline car, the pinnacle of BMW's brand of technology, performance, and frugality. It will be expensive, too: You can get similar performance, though not economy, in an M3 for a fraction of the price. The name i3 for the smaller car is a surprise. Is this little bubble ready for comparison with the 3 Series? Even though the i3 is small, it is space-efficient, has four doors, and should have interior accommodations matching a 3 Series sedan. The name allows room for an i2 and i1, showing BMW's intent to go smaller in this range.

The i3 and i8 share a lot. Both have an aluminum chassis, chosen for its ability to absorb crash energy. The lithium-ion batteries are stored in the center, protected by strong aluminum perimeter beams, and the powertrain and suspension are mounted in this chassis structure. Passenger compartment and exterior panels are of carbon fiber. BMW calls the concept LifeDrive. The Drive part is aluminum; the Life part (for the occupants) is carbon fiber. These lightweight materials will aid in cancelling out the additional weight of a battery. The i3 and i8 share battery technology and the principles in the drive motors and electronics.
The battery, electronics, and motor for the i3 are being proved on a fleet of 1000 ActiveE cars, a 1 Series coupe with an EV drivetrain, which was launched at the Geneva show in March. It hits 60 mph in about 9.0 seconds, thanks to a 168-horse electric motor. It can be charged from a 32-amp 220-volt outlet (common in Europe, not the U.S.) in 5 hours. This gives a 100-mile claimed range. The i3 should better that, being lighter and more aerodynamic.