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BMW i3 gets official worldwide [UPDATE]



 
 
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Old August 7th 13, 02:10 AM posted to alt.autos.bmw
MummyChunk
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Default BMW i3 gets official worldwide [UPDATE]

From AB






Worldwide debut of the all-new BMW i3.

The Ultimate Driving Machine in a new era of Individual Urban
Mobility

Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – BMW today introduced the all-new BMW i3
electric car, constructed in a revolutionary way from next-generation
materials. The BMW i3 will go on sale in the US market in the second
quarter of 2014, and starts with a base MSRP of $41,350, before any
federal or state incentives, and before Destination & Handling fee
(currently $925).

Contents:

1. Highlights & Quick-References: The All-New BMW i3.
2. The Ultimate Driving Machine: Driving Dynamics Worthy of BMW.
3. The Future of Urban Mobility
4. Design. Aesthetic Appeal with Elegant, Renewable Interior.
5. Explore the Worlds (Vehicle Trim Levels).
6. BMW ConnectedDrive. Mobility services and new driver assistance.
7. 360 Electric. Support and Convenience for Electric Mobility.
8. Safety: Always a true BMW.

1. Highlights: The All-New BMW i3:
The new all-electric BMW i3 is a landmark in BMW's mission to provide
a completely sustainable, electric vehicle that still stays true to
the Ultimate Driving Machine moniker. The BMW i3 is the first product
of the new BMW i sub-brand, and is a truly purpose built electric car.
It's a new era for electro mobility at BMW.

The vehicle concept behind the BMW i3 was designed from the outset to
incorporate an all-electric drive system. This has numerous advantages
over "conversion" vehicles, in which the original combustion
engine is swapped for an electric motor. The engineers can design
whatever works best, in terms of construction, dimensions and
configuration of the electric drive system's components. The car's
development is dictated by the characteristics designed into the car
by the development team and not by the constraints imposed by a
pre-existing vehicle design. For example, the space in a conversion
vehicle set aside for the fuel tank or exhaust system cannot be used.
In the BMW i3 there is no need for this kind of compromise.

This leads to the LifeDrive architecture concept, which was
purpose-built specifically for the BMW i3. It is comprised of two
modules; the Life Module, and the Drive Module. Think of the Life
Module as the passenger cabin, or greenhouse. It is the first-ever
mass produced Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) passenger cell in
the automotive business, and is a big factor in the cars efficiency.
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic is equally as strong as steel, while
being 50% lighter, and 30% lighter than aluminum. The result is an
electric car that weighs about 2,700 lbs (preliminary US figures).

Due to the lightweight, high tensile strength of CFRP, the passenger
cell has added protection, and the battery has less work to do, which
allows for the use of a smaller, lighter battery that saves even more
weight, reduces charging time and increases range. The light weight
design of the Life Module also lowers the BMW i3's center of gravity,
making it a more engaging and dynamic car to drive.

The Drive Module, which is constructed out of 100% aluminum, consists
of the 22-kWh, 450 lb. lithium-ion battery, electric drive train,
MacPherson strut and 5-link rear suspension system and structural and
crash components. The battery mounted in the rear, close to the drive
wheels, gives impressive performance characteristics while also
providing better traction.

Another benefit of the LifeDrive architecture concept is that there is
no space-consuming transmission tunnel running through the center of
the car, like in most internal combustion powered cars, because of the
separate Drive Module. This gives the BMW i3 the interior space of the
BMW 3 Series, while only having the footprint of the much smaller BMW
1 Series.

Even the vehicle's key is sustainably manufactured. The source
material of the new bio-polymer key is based on castor oil pressed
from castor seeds. The owner's manual is also made from renewable
resources.

The interior is made using high quality renewable sources and recycled
materials. The BMW i3 has the Next Premium interior, which blends
sustainable resources with a premium feel for the same interior
quality as the BMW 5 Series Sedan. 25% of the plastics in the interior
and 25% of the thermoplastic parts on the exterior are made from
either recycled materials or renewable sources.

According to studies carried out as part of BMW's Project i, involving
more than 1,000 participants and conducted over some 12.5 million
miles, it was revealed that the average daily distance covered was
around 30 miles. The BMW i3 will be able to travel 80 to 100 miles on
a single charge. This can be increased by up to approximately 12% in
ECO PRO mode and by the same amount again in ECO PRO+ mode. It is able
to recharge in only 3 hours with the use of a 220V Level 2, 32-amp
J1772 charger. The SAE DC Combo Fast Charging, which charges the BMW
i3 up to 80% in 20 minutes, and 100% in 30, can be had as an option.

In order to reduce range anxiety, a rear-mounted 650cc, 34 hp,
two-cylinder, gasoline-powered Range Extender generator is available,
which roughly doubles the vehicle's range. When the battery gets to a
certain level, the Range Extender starts and maintains the battery's
current state of charge. The Range Extender never directly drives the
vehicle's wheels. The Range Extender adds roughly 330 lbs. to the
vehicle curb weight and has a fuel capacity of 2.4 gallons.

Since 1999 according to the DOE, average gasoline prices in America
have increased from approximately $1.136 to $3.618, or about a 218%.
In the same time, the pricing of electricity has increased from 6.6
cents to 9.9 cents, a change of only 50%, making electricity a far
more attractive commodity from a pricing standpoint.

BMW i3 Quick-Reference Highlights.
- Pricing (before federal or local incentives) starts at $41,350;
$45,200 for Range Extender model. Destination & Handling Fee not
included.
- On Sale: Q2 of 2014 in the USA.
- BMW's 360 Electric electro mobility services.
- BMW i Remote app, which connects with the car.
- BMW Navigation is standard.
- BMW Intelligent Emergency Call ('eCall"), Anti theft alarm and
Rear Parking Distance Control are standard.

Driving.
- 170-hp, 184 lb-ft hybrid-synchronous electric motor with max. revs
of 11,400 rpm.
- 80-100 mile real-world EV range.
- 22-kWh lithium-ion battery, which weighs 450 lbs.
- 650cc gasoline powered Range Extender optional; holds charge,
doesn't power wheels.
- 0-30mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-60mph in approximately 7.0 seconds
(preliminary).
- Top speed of 93 mph, electronically limited to preserve efficiency.
- BMW's signature, near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution.
- Ultra-tight turning radius (32.3 ft), which is ideal for city
driving.
- Macpherson strut front and 5-link rear suspension set up.
- Single Pedal Driving Concept with Brake Energy Regeneration, which
feeds power back into battery.
- 3 drive modes: Comfort, ECO PRO and ECO PRO+.
- 3 hour 220 V @32 amps charging time.
- Optional SAE DC Combo Fast Charging allows for 80% charge in 20mins;
100% in 30 mins.

Chassis and Body.
- Purpose built construction. World's first mass-produced
CFRP-constructed electric vehicle.
- Built on innovative LifeDrive architecture composed of two parts:
Life Module and Drive Module.
- Life Module is essentially the cabin, constructed from Carbon Fiber
Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).
- Drive Module is where all of the powertrain components are housed.
- Drive Module is made from 100% aluminum.
- Magnesium cross-member for instrument panel saves 20% weight vs.
steel.
- BMW 1 Series external footprint with BMW 3 Series interior space.
- Adaptive Full LED headlights and LED taillights (standard in US
market).
- Weighs in at roughly 2,700 lbs.
- No space-consuming transmission tunnel dividing car's interior.
- Pillar-less design with rear coach doors allow for easy entry and
exit to rear seats.
- Driver-oriented super-ergonomic controls.
- Three vehicle Worlds (trim levels): Mega (standard in US), Giga, and
Tera.
- Standard 19-inch light alloy wheels with unique 155/70 all-season
tires. 20-inch light alloy wheels optional.
- No transmission tunnel and low console allows for Slide-through
Experience, which benefits urban driving by the ability to exit from
the passenger side.

Sustainability.
- Made with sustainable, renewable materials.
+ Instrument panel surround and door trim use fibers from Kenaf
plant.
+ Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof panel is made partially
with recycled CFRP from manufacturing process of other components
+ 25% of plastic used in interior comprised of recycled materials.
- Dashboard wood trim crafted from responsibly-forested eucalyptus.
- CFRP components are sustainably produced in Moses Lake, WA, USA,
where the factory uses hydroelectric power.
- The Leipzig, Germany assembly plant uses wind-generated
electricity.
- Olive-leaf extract is used to tan interior leather surfaces.

2. The Ultimate Drive Machine®.
BMW makes the Ultimate Driving Machine, and that holds true for the
BMW i3. The hybrid synchronous electric motor, which weighs only 110
lbs., is developed and produced specially by the BMW Group for use in
the BMW i3, with maximum revs of 11,400 rpm, generates an output of
170 hp and outputs maximum torque of 184 lb-ft on tap from the moment
the car pulls away. That's propels the 2,700 lb car from 0-30mph in
3.5 seconds, 0-60mph in approximately 7.2 seconds, and to an
electronically limited top speed of 93 mph (preliminary USA figures).
Much like engine braking with a manual transmission, but even more
effective, the accelerator pedal also acts as a brake when the driver
lifts off the accelerator.

The BMW i3 features Brake Energy Regeneration, which, when the driver
lifts off, the motor acts as a generator and converts the kinetic
energy into electricity, which is fed back into the battery for a
range gain. This Regeneration is speed-sensitive, which means that the
car "coasts" for added efficiency at high speeds, and
generates the strong braking effect at lower speeds.

The BMW i3's accelerator pedal has a distinct "neutral"
position. Rather than switching straight to energy Regeneration when
the driver eases off the accelerator, the electric motor uses zero
torque control to separate from the drivetrain and deploy only the
available kinetic energy for propulsion. In this mode, the BMW i3
cruises using virtually no energy at all. This is another way
anticipatory driving can preserve energy and increase the car's
range.

The impressive electric motor, small turning circle of 32.3 feet, – a
major benefit to driving in the city – BMW's near-perfect 50-50 weight
distribution, precise electric power steering and the stable
suspension set-up help to make the i3 as satisfying to drive as every
other BMW.

The BMW i3's tires are a unique 155/70/19 size on 19-inch light-alloy
wheels, but the contact patch is the same of that of a more
conventional 16-inch tire. To improve efficiency, they have low
rolling resistance, and the narrow section width is a key factor in
the BMW i3's super-tight turning radius.

The BMW i3 uses the BMW eDrive rear-wheel drive powertrain previously
found on the BMW ActiveE. eDrive offers driving dynamics worthy of the
Ultimate Driving Machine name and offers zero tailpipe emission
driving. Beyond the traditional immediacy of response offered by
electric motors when pulling away, power development in the BMW i3
also remains unbroken through higher speeds. Power is sent to the rear
wheels through a single-speed transmission, allowing the BMW i3 to
accelerate with an uninterrupted flow of power up to its top speed.

3. City Friendly: The Future of Urban Mobility.
The BMW i3 marks the introduction of a new type of megacity vehicle.
Its small size allows it to easily maneuver and park on city streets,
while the car's short front and rear overhangs make parking in tight
spaces much easier. Its sharp turning radius and nimble handling are
the perfect match for city driving. In the front, the Slide Through
Experience allows the driver to slide through the car and exit on the
passenger side, to avoid exiting into a busy city street. This is made
possible because of the absence of the transmission tunnel. The coach
doors make getting into and out of the car much more practical by
eliminating the B pillar and creating one large opening to enter and
exit.

Not having to fill up on gas is a big advantage while living in the
city due to the lack of gas stations. Since electricity is so readily
available, recharging is possible almost anywhere, and practically
gives the BMW i3 unlimited range due to being able to charge at any
and every stop.

Emission-free driving is also a plus in the city. Cities are so
congested with cars idling at red lights or stop and go traffic, so
having a car that runs on electricity that doesn't pollute is another
way that the BMW i3 benefits the environment, and its owner.

On a similar note, the navigation system can take traffic conditions
into consideration and help route around any areas of large
congestion, which is a huge benefit when living in a city with a lot
of traffic. It can help maximize efficiency and cut down commute times
in order to save you time.

The same navigation system also remembers the owners driving style and
can judge by that and the amount of charge left if a route is too long
or if a recharge is necessary for the return journey.

4. Design: Aesthetic Appeal with Elegant, Renewable Interior.
The BMW i3 is stretching the definitive envelope of what a
conventional car can be and how it should look. Its striking
appearance is unique to the BMW i sub-brand while still remaining
unmistakably a BMW.

Black Band.
The front end has a clear and simple design. BMW's iconic kidney
grilles headlines the front end with the BMW i blue background. Under
the kidney grille, silver layers sculpt the front apron. Contrasting
black surfaces identify the functional load compartment under the hood
and air inlets. Aerodynamic Air Curtains give an aggressive appearance
to the BMW i3, while also helping to increase the range by minimizing
air resistance and drag. U-shaped, LED headlights, give a fresh take
on the BMW light design and give the car character.

At the rear end, the large rear window gives great visibility and easy
access to the trunk. The roof lines are optimized to give as much
interior space as possible. The LED U-shaped taillights are housed in
the rear window and appear to be floating there.

Stream flow.
The rear diffuser is the lowest point on the car and lends to its
aerodynamics. Outlined in blue (not available with Solar Orange
Metallic exterior color), the diffuser is shaped to show the BMW i3's
powerful stance.

Thanks to its LifeDrive architecture, the BMW i3 is a new canvas for
BMW interior designers. There is no center tunnel taking up space,
which creates an open, roomy cabin. The front and rear bench seats
allow for easy movement inside the vehicle and even allow the driver
to exit through the passenger door if necessary.

All driving controls are ergonomically placed for easy access to the
driver. The instrument panel stretches through the whole interior from
the air vents next to the steering wheel to just before the passenger
door. It encompasses the radio and climate controls as well. The
freestanding steering column is a distinctive element in the light
interior. All of the driving controls, such as the instrument cluster,
start/stop button and gear shift selector can be found there.

The interior, which is put together using a technique known as
layering, – which is the utilization of space through the structuring
of lines and surfaces into layers – features Next Premium. It is made
of high quality renewable raw materials, in the name of
sustainability. The driver's seat is located in a semi-command driving
position, set-up higher for a better view of the road. Certain parts
of the instrument panel and door panels are made using southern Asia's
Kenaf plant natural fibers to save about 10% weight, while the
interior leather is tanned using a natural process that uses olive
leaf extract to provide protection against fading and wear while
giving a unique look.

Using a magnesium supporting structure for the instrument panel saves
weight in two ways. Superior material attributes over conventional
sheet steel results in a weight reduction of 20%. Also, the high
composite rigidity of the magnesium supporting structure allows a
reduction in components and lowers weight by a further 10%.

The wood trim used in the dashboard is crafted from eucalyptus which
is grown in Europe and certified as 100% sourced from responsible
forestry. As the eucalyptus ages, it darkens and changes color. The
location of the crafting was selected carefully to ensure short
delivery routes to the production stages.

The Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), which is produced near
Moses Lake, Washington, is made primarily with the use of
hydroelectric power, harvested nearby. This is done to minimize the
effect that BMW i3 production has on the environment. Since more than
10% of the carbon fiber needed to manufacture the BMW i3 is made from
recycled materials, it is another way the BMW i3 is completely
sustainable. The roof is made of CFRP scraps to help recycle left over
material from other parts.

5. Explore the World: Vehicle Trim Levels.
Due to the unfamiliarity of electric mobility technology in the United
States, buying an EV can be a daunting experience for the average
customer. BMW sought to make this process as simple as possible in the
new BMW i3. The BMW i3 comes in three different worlds: Mega, Giga and
Tera, all of which come equipped with a very high level of standard
equipment.

The base Mega World comes standard with 19-inch extra-efficient forged
aluminum wheels, BMW Navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive with eCall, the
BMW i Remote, an alarm, 7.4 kW on board charger and LED headlights,
DRLs and tail lights. The interior is donned in bright, lightweight
Sensatec and sustainable cloth, which is made from recycled materials.
It also features a leather trimmed steering wheel and grained dash
trim.

The next level, Giga World, has all the features of the Mega World but
with the addition of distinct Giga-specific 19-inch wheels and an
interior wrapped in leather and wool cloth. A universal garage door
opener is included for easy access to the i3's BMW i Charging Station,
which is usually mounted in the garage. It also has Comfort Access, a
sunroof, and satellite radio. The leather-trimmed steering wears
contrasting stitching to give a classy, sporty look.

The top-of-the-line Tera World, adds unique 19-inch wheels, a
luxurious full leather, olive leaf-tanned interior, with textile
accents and contrasting stitching, and anthracite floors mats.

Available for every world is the Technology and Driving assist, and
the Parking assist packages. The Technology and Driving Assist package
adds a host of convenience and safety technologies to the BMW i3. It
includes the wide-screen Navigation Professional with advanced
real-time traffic and the new touch pad, Traffic Jam Assist, BMW
Assist with Enhanced Bluetooth and USB with BMW Apps, Online
Information services, Deceleration Assistant, ACC Stop & Go, Speed
Limit info, BMW ConnectedDrive services, Forward Collision Warning,
Pedestrian Protection and City Collision Mitigation. The Parking
Assist package is ideal for living in the city and includes a rearview
camera, Park Assistant, which helps take advantage of tight parallel
parking opportunities, and Front Auto Park Distance Control.

The BMW i3 full options list for USA will be released Fall 2013.

6. BMW ConnectedDrive. Mobility services and new driver assistance
systems.
BMW ConnectedDrive is the interface between the customer, their car,
360 Electric, and the Premium Mobility Service. Connected mobility is
the embodiment of an individual, sustainable, efficient and convenient
form of urban mobility. It is a crucial part of the BMW i and urban
lifestyle.

An embedded SIM card in the BMW i3 is the key that unlocks the BMW
ConnectedDrive services, available to the new electric model. A
feature of BMW ConnectedDrive is BMW i Navigation, which can search
for a nearby charging station, which should give the driver piece of
mind, knowing that there is a station nearby. It can also give a real
world range estimate and visualization of the estimate with the
SpiderMap, Real Time Traffic Information and plan a route that avoids
the traffic as best as possible.

The customer has access to personal assistance from a BMW
ConnectedDrive agent at any time of the day or night. Concierge
Service can help answer almost any of the driver's questions. They can
recommend restaurants, give information on destinations or guide the
driver to the nearest charging station, among other things.

In the unfortunate situation when an accident occurs, Intelligent
Emergency Call ("eCall") sends information like location,
number of front-seat occupants, and even crash severity data to the
BMW ConnectedDrive Call Center, which quickly informs the appropriate
911-dispatch center.

BMW ConnectedDrive can also connect directly with your iPhone with an
original Apple cable that connects to the car and built-in BMW Apps.

The optionally available Driving Assistant Plus for the BMW i3
comprises Collision Warning with brake priming function, which is
activated at speeds up to about 35 mph (60 km/h) and is able to
respond to both moving and stationary vehicles ahead, as well as to
pedestrians. It also comes with Active Cruise Control including Stop
& Go function. In addition to visual and audible warnings, the
system is capable of braking the vehicle by itself, if required, with
up to maximum stopping power. The Parking Assistant can also be found
on the option list and performs the steering maneuvers at the same
time as controlling accelerator, brake and gear selection, enabling
fully automated parallel parking. Another handy optional extra is the
Traffic Jam Assistant that allows drivers to delegate the tasks of
pulling away, braking and steering to keep the vehicle in lane.
Meanwhile, the Speed Limit Info system is also offered.

7. 360 Electric: Support and Convenience for Electric Mobility.
Electric cars differ drastically from their gas-powered counterparts,
and the 360 Electric features further that differential. All of the
360 Electric features help to ensure convenient electro mobility in
most situations.

If the BMW i3 buyer has a private parking space at their home, BMW i
will offer a home charging station, which includes a BMW i charging
station for convenient charging. They will even send a representative
to install it to any specific need. 360 Electric will also help with
public charging by locating the nearest station.

As part of 360 Electric, the BMW i Remote app links to your car and
can monitor its battery level, charging status and other
charging-related functions, such as heating and air conditioning. The
app can also give the cars location, lock or unlock the doors, honk
the horn, or flash the lights.

Before driving away in the BMW i3, it is recommended to precondition
that battery to the preferred operating temperature of between 60 - 70
degrees Fahrenheit to optimize range. Battery temperature may be
monitored through the iDrive system. The battery liquid cooling system
keeps the battery at the ideal operating temperature which increases
performance and life expectancy. Battery condition is controlled and
operated in harmony by the intelligent energy management system. This,
combined with Brake Energy Regeneration system extends the vehicle's
range while enhancing its performance.

The Range Assistant is engaged both for route planning and during
journeys already under way. Topographical mapping technology helps
find the most efficient route to your destination by calculating
distance, elevation and other factors, in order to get the best range
from your BMW i3. If the destination is beyond the cars range, it can
suggest switching to ECO PRO or ECO PRO+ to get more from the
battery's charge.

In the unlikely circumstance of a breakdown, the BMW Assist Safety
Plan provides contact with a Response Specialist at the touch of a
button.

BMW Assist also introduces Navigation services specially-developed to
enhance electric mobility alongside familiar features including the
Concierge Services information facility and the intelligent BMW Assist
eCall. Moreover, drivers may use the BMW i Remote app to share
information with their car using a smartphone. The pedestrian
navigation function guides the driver from parking place to their
final destination and back.

8. Safety: Always a true BMW.
From an efficiency standpoint, the body of the BMW i3 needs to be not
only strong but, above all, light. However, from a safety point of
view, it has to be not only light but, above all, strong. This
apparent conflict of interests highlights the engineers' pioneering
work in developing the vehicle architecture of the BMW i3. Here, there
is no contradiction between lightweight construction and safety. Quite
the opposite, in fact: the LifeDrive concept of the BMW i3, with its
combination of aluminum and carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), is
on a par with other structures and even performs better in some areas
of crash testing despite its lightweight design. The use of CFRP
essentially allows the construction of extremely lightweight bodies.
Moreover, CFRP possesses an impressive ability to absorb energy and is
extremely damage-tolerant. CFRP is the lightest material that can be
used in the construction of car bodies without compromising on
safety.

The LifeDrive concept is based around two horizontally separate
independent modules. The Drive module – the aluminum chassis – gives
the car its high-strength foundations and integrates the battery and
drive system into a single structure. The Life module, meanwhile,
consists principally of a high-strength and extremely lightweight
passenger compartment made from CFRP. With this innovative concept,
the BMW Group takes the combination of lightweight design, vehicle
architecture and crash safety to an entirely new dimension.

LifeDrive module offers tremendous safety.
The crash requirements in automotive manufacture are very strict.
Numerous impact criteria stipulated by the stringent guidelines of
global consumer protection organizations and legislators have to be
taken into account. During the development of the BMW i3 concept,
there was close consultation with the international crash test
institutes on the innovative car body and safety concept of the BMW i
models.

The high-strength passenger compartment teams up with the intelligent
distribution of forces within the LifeDrive module to provide the
cornerstones for optimum occupant protection. Even after the
structurally-debilitating offset front crash at 64 km/h (40 mph), the
extremely rigid material maintains an intact survival space for
passengers. The crash-activated aluminum structures at the front and
rear end of the Drive module provide additional safety, so that less
body deformation occurs compared with comparable steel bodies.
Furthermore, the "cocoon effect" of the CFRP car body
ensures that the doors can be opened without any problem and the
interior remains largely free of any intrusions.

Even rescue scenarios have been worked through and checked. In
standard cutting tests, the process of rescuing occupants from a BMW
i3 involved in an accident was comparable to that for a conventional
vehicle. In some respects, indeed, it was more straightforward since
the lighter components can be more easily cut than high-strength
steels, for example.

Impressive rigidity, combined with its ability to absorb an enormous
amount of energy, makes CFRP extremely damage-tolerant. Even at high
impact speeds it displays barely any deformation. As in a Formula One
cockpit, this exceptionally stiff material provides an extremely
strong survival space. Furthermore, the body remains intact in a front
or rear-on impact, and the doors still open without a problem after a
crash.

In its dry, resin-free state CFRP can be worked almost like a textile,
and as such allows a high degree of flexibility in how it is shaped.
The composite only gains its rigid, final form after the resin
injected into the lattice has hardened. This makes it at least as
durable as steel, but it is much more lightweight.

The high tear resistance along the length of the fibers also allows
CFRP components to be given a high-strength design by following their
direction of loading. To this end, the fibers are arranged within the
component according to their load characteristics. By overlaying the
fiber alignment, components can also be strengthened against load in
several different directions. In this way, the components can be given
a significantly more efficient and effective design than is possible
with any other material that is equally durable in all directions –
such as metal. This, in turn, allows further reductions in terms of
both material use and weight, leading to another new wave of savings
potential. The lower accelerated mass in the event of a crash means
that energy-absorbing structures can be scaled back, cutting the
weight of the vehicle.

Superior protection in a side impact.
The ability of CFRP to absorb energy is truly extraordinary. Pole
impacts and side-on collisions both highlight the impressive
safety-enhancing properties of CFRP. Despite the heavy, in some cases
concentrated forces, the material barely sustains a dent, and
passengers enjoy nearly unbeatable protection. All of which makes CFRP
perfectly suited for use in a vehicle's flanks, where every centimeter
of undamaged interior is invaluable. However, there are limits to what
CFRP can endure. If the forces applied go beyond the limits of the
material's strength, the composite of fibers breaks up into its
individual components in a controlled process.

In the Euro NCAP side impact test, in which a pole strikes the side of
the vehicle dead-center at 32 km/h (20 mph), the carbon fiber
composite also demonstrates its extraordinary energy-absorbing
capacity. The Life module absorbs the entire impact with minimal
deformation, guaranteeing optimum passenger protection. Even as CFRP
dissipates energy, danger to passengers or other road users is
substantially mitigated.

The best of both worlds: combining aluminum and CFRP.
The new Drive module has also been carefully designed and structured
with these exacting crash requirements in mind. Crash-active aluminum
structures in the front and rear sections of the vehicle provide
additional safety. In a front or rear-on collision, these absorb a
large proportion of the energy generated. The battery, meanwhile, is
mounted in the underbody section of the car to give it the best
possible degree of protection. Statistically, this is the area that
absorbs the least energy in the event of a crash, and the vehicle
shows barely any deformation here as a result. Moreover, positioning
the battery in the underbody allows the BMW Group development
engineers to give the vehicle an ideal low center of gravity, which
makes it extremely agile and unlikely to roll over.

The high-voltage battery also benefits from the excellent deformation
properties of the CFRP Life module. In the side crash test, the pole
does not penetrate as far as the battery. The mix of materials used
and the intelligent power distribution in the LifeDrive module ensure
that the high-voltage battery is optimally protected even in the side
sill area.

All in all, the high-strength CFRP passenger cell teams up with the
intelligent distribution of forces in the LifeDrive module to lay the
foundations for optimum occupant protection.

Post-crash notification.
In the unfortunate situation when an accident occurs, Intelligent
Emergency Call ("eCall") sends information like location,
number of front-seat occupants, and even crash severity data to the
BMW ConnectedDrive Call Center, which quickly informs the appropriate
911-dispatch center.

Lithium-ion batteries are safe even in the event of a fire.
Safety is a key criterion in the development of the BMW i models. A
range of systems and measures have been implemented in the vehicle
that ensure safety in normal operation and in the event of accidental
fires. The high-voltage system is designed to cope with accidents
beyond the legal requirements, with the high-voltage battery including
features that ensure its safe reaction even in situations such as
this.

The latest series of tests conducted by the renowned DEKRA E-Mobility
Competence Center were extremely extensive – ranging from how a car
might catch fire, how the flames might spread and what would be
required to extinguish the fire, to the pollution caused by run-off of
the water used for fighting the fire. The experts concluded that
electric and hybrid cars with lithium-ion drive system batteries are
at least as safe as vehicles with conventional drive systems in the
event of fire.

To ensure maximum safety in such a crash scenario, the high-voltage
battery is disconnected from the high-voltage system and the connected
components discharged when the passenger restraint systems are
triggered. This safely prevents the possibility of a short circuit,
which could lead to electric shocks or cause a fire.

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