The first evidence of BMW’s ‘project i” is already on the road in the form of the MINI E – which is currently being evaluated in California, with similar programs slated for Germany – and a second project i vehicle is in the works.
Speaking with just-auto, BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer revealed that a second project i vehicle – dubbed the Megacity – is currently under development.
“This vehicle will be the first of a range of near-zero emission vehicles,” Reithofer said of the Megacity. “Customers will have the choice between a fully electric drive and a high efficiency combustion engine. Large scale production could start in the first half of the next decade.”
Reithofer failed to give any further details on the project, but the Megacity is likely the same vehicle as the long-rumored BMW Isetta. The new-age Isetta is being developed alongside the Fiat Topolino, and could debut as soon as this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
However, it still remains possible that BMW could launch the Megacity under a fourth brand. BMW is currently mulling that decision, with a final verdict likely by the end of the year.
03/20, 3:42 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
Sounds great, but let’s not loose sight of the fact that a battery powered car is hardly zero emissions…the emissions have simply been transferred to another location. I’ll take the high efficency gas engine, that’s the smarter bet for certianly the next 20 years.
03/20, 5:22 PM
posted by:
writeeddie
ISETTA can be BMW’s green brand.
03/20, 5:29 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
It can also be BMW’s deathtrap brand.
03/20, 10:30 PM
posted by:
jdasch1
Madcapp….my Solar panels power my electric truck. ZERO emissions. Then I sell the rest to offset the rest of my electric carbon footprint. It can be zero…yes it can. The Sun is FREE…The Wind is free, and crude oil is running out…you figure out the conclusion for my teenage kids. They won’t have the LUXURY of gasoline like we do.
03/21, 4:43 AM
posted by:
Exige250
Well jdasch1 I’m not entirely certain if Madcapp was going on about electric source or not but I find it difficult to believe you have a solar system that powers not only your house but car too? Thats okay though it’s still a valid point however I understood Madcapp’s comment to be about the fact that the batteries themselves consume hugh amounts on energy in their manufacturing, and recycling. Of further note however I will point out the the mining of raw ore for steel and aluminium for your petrol engines arn’t without their carbon costs, and something that effects both cases, cars, at least for now will remain made steel, hybrid electric or not. Either way I think it’s a bit of a wash either way, but as technologies for solar power get better I think the electric car has the potential to be greener in the future. And another thing, what about all the copper needed to make the electric motors in cars, were’s that going to come from? Anyone notice the cost of raw copper has gone up a lot in the last ten years. If every car on the road has a conservative 50lbs. electric motor, how do you suppose that will effect the copper market?