In order to comply with California’s forthcoming Zero Emission Vehicle requirements, BMW will launch its first battery-powered vehicle — under its Project i program — in the United States by 2012. Internally dubbed the ‘City’, the upcoming EV will likely be the long-rumored BMW Isetta revival.
BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed to Car and Driver that the City will be a three-door hatchback specifically designed for the U.S. market. Although the original Isetta was a bit awkward — to put it nicely – the new-age car will be low-slung with short overhangs and a coupe-like profile. Despite its small footprint and sleek styling, the City will offer seating for four.
Size-wise, the City will slot beneath the 1-Series and MINI, and even vehicles like the Honda Fit. Power will come from a lithium-ion battery pack with a range of about 100 miles. BMW is also developing a range of gas and diesel engines for the City, although those variants will likely be reserved for developing regions – particularly China.
BMW’s Project i program may be soldiering on as planned, but the new range of eco-friendly vehicles has yet to find a permanent home. The German automaker is still deciding if the new vehicles should be sold under the BMW or MINI banner, and hasn’t even officially ruled out the addition of a new brand.
06/26, 12:38 PM
posted by:
05Z88Path
Make it a Mini. I thought that would be a no-brainer?
06/26, 1:28 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Nah, they have a pretty funky little city car that is cool. I think 2012 will put them in with the “crowd”, though. 2012 is going to be a great year for cars.
06/26, 2:19 PM
posted by:
Bimmer
Sell it under Rolls-Roys. LOL
06/26, 2:48 PM
posted by:
acura_el2000
So I guess they don’t count all the emissions spewed into the environment from making the electricity??
06/26, 3:19 PM
posted by:
elviososa
people should stop wasting money to buy hybrids. EV is the future.
06/27, 5:06 AM
posted by:
KIB2
I hope Ford makes an EV version of my Fiesta.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW9BOVL6bQM
06/27, 10:27 AM
posted by:
AutoCritical
I think this is a good step to see how people will take on EV’s on a mass population – more so with a ‘premium’ brand. An expensive step, and i’ll support this if it would suit my needs!
06/28, 2:01 PM
posted by:
A True Gear Head
the pollution being spewed into the environment that makes the electricity is a lot easier to handle than billions of cars running around everywhere, plus my house uses solar energy and i make money off it cause i sell it back to the grid
06/29, 9:17 AM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
The Volt wannabes are coming out of the woodwork. It’s laughable to think any company can compete on the same level as the General.
Buy American. Buy GM. It is your patriotic duty
06/30, 12:23 AM
posted by:
Kanucko
Need more oil for GM – Is this Bob Lutz … ? shut up with your GM rants on every post.
07/18, 3:14 PM
posted by:
Need more oil four GM
^^ Im sorry. im an idiot.
GM tried to build and ev ( ev1 ) years ago and it failed.
the volt will fail and my like sucks.
bye america, bye gm. my patriotic duty is tax that gm cost the whole country.