Business / Auto China

BMW's electric car environmentally friendly inside and out

By Zhuan Ti (China Daily) Updated: 2014-04-25 06:57

The full line-up of the BMW i3. Bookings for the BMW i3 began on April 20, with prices starting at 450,000 yuan ($73,770) and rising to 520,000 yuan with added extras. Photos provided to China Daily

The pure electric BMW i3, used as a free shuttle at Auto China 2014, has become a highlight at the ongoing event.

The public can register online to experience the new environmentally friendly and agile car.

Bookings for the BMW i3 began on April 20, with prices starting at 450,000 yuan ($73,770) and rising to 520,000 yuan with added extras.

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The electronic car is an upgrade developed from the BMW i3 concept car.

Made with the design philosophy of "stream flow" in mind, it has a streamlined body and refined rear.

In terms of size the BMW i3 has the similar body size as other standard microcars.

In a bid to help it look bigger, the new car has an expanded windshield and large wheels, but the door design remains the same as in the concept model.

In terms of safety, the BMW i3 uses a Life Drive structure with carbon fiber reinforced plastic in its body, seats, engine, chassis and accumulator.

In terms of interior design, the simplicity represents the future of pure electric cars.

A small liquid crystal display on the steering wheel transmits the car's information to the driver. It is also equipped with lightweight seats.

The BMW i3 also boasts unique environmentally friendly characteristics.

All materials used in the interior are recyclable and the almost symmetrical curved dashboard is inlaid with treated eucalyptus wood. BMW's policy states that for every eucalyptus tree used it will replant one.

The seat covers use a combination of responsibly sourced wool and leather naturally tanned with an olive oil leaf based agent.

A quarter of the plastics in the car are made from recycled materials.