BMW i. Born Electric.
The long term goal of BMW EfficientDynamics is to combine efficiency with increased driving pleasure. The continuous optimization of the vehicles, such as systematic weight reduction, innovative aerodynamics and engine efficiency measures, as well as the use of alternative drivetrain solutions and the research of new technologies, to provide sustainable mobility already today.
Following the BMW EfficientDynamics approach – less emissions, more driving pleasure, BMW i develops visionary vehicles and technologies for the mobility of tomorrow. While making use of a wide range of existing BMW EfficientDynamics technologies, BMW i goes one step further. BMW i takes a holistic approach with purpose-built vehicle concepts for electric mobility, a focus on sustainability throughout the value chain and a range of complementary mobility services, thereby redefining the understanding of personal mobility.
With two new vehicle concepts BMW i creates a new world of visionary mobility. On the one hand there is the BMW i3 Concept. Previously known as the Megacity Vehicle, the BMW Group's first series-produced all-electric car focuses on the mobility needs in urban areas and, as the first premium electric vehicle, reinvents the BMW attributes for the future. On the other hand the BMW i8 Concept, the most progressive sports car – forward-looking, intelligent and innovative. Its unique eDrive plug-in hybrid brings together a combustion engine and an electric drive system to create an extraordinary driving experience complemented by extremely low fuel consumption and emissions.
One of the great advantages of electric mobility is zero local emissions. Since electric engines use electric current rather than fuel to create propulsion, no climate-harming gases are created when fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are driven in electric mode. If the energy to drive the vehicle is obtained from a renewable source, e.g. from wind or hydroelectric power, fully electric vehicles are climate-neutral and conserve natural resources. In addition, electro-mobility also raises the bar in terms of driving experience. Electric engines are extremely agile and a joy to drive.
Purpose-built design – the LifeDrive concept.
Unlike the "conversion" approach applied up to now which involves integrating electric components into vehicles originally designed to be powered by a combustion engine, the innovative LifeDrive architecture of the BMW i vehicles focuses directly on the technical requirements of the electric drive train.
In this way the electric motor and the battery can be optimally accommodated. In combination with intelligent lightweight design and innovative use of materials, the electrification of the vehicle can be achieved without having to carry out complex modifications and without adding weight. In this way, the LifeDrive architecture marries low overall weight for a maximised range with generous levels of space, supreme driving characteristics and high safety levels.
In contrast to vehicles with a self-supporting body, the LifeDrive concept essentially comprises two separate, independent functional units. The Drive module integrates the vehicle's suspension, battery, drive system, structural and crash functions into a construction made chiefly from aluminium. The Life module consists primarily of a high-strength and extremely lightweight passenger cell made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The use of this high-tech material across large sections of the car ensures that the Life module is remarkably light
and helps to achieve both impressive range and improved performance. With this innovative concept the BMW Group has taken lightweight design, vehicle architecture and crash safety into a whole new dimension. Like the cockpit of a Formula One car, the Life Module provides an extremely rigid and save passenger cell. Pole impacts, side-on collisions and rollover tests highlight the impressive safety-enhancing properties of this extraordinarily robust material.
Carbon Fibre: Super Light, Super Strong.
When it comes to lightweight vehicle materials, CFRP is obviously the best choice. It is extremely strong and light: as strong as steel, but around 50% lighter. Not in even the much lighter aluminum can compete with this (in comparison aluminum is only 30% lighter).
The Life Module of BMW i vehicles is constructed exclusively from CFRP. As such the cars combine a longer range with typical BMW driving performance and optimum safety. Moreover CFRP is extremely rust and corrosion-resistant, which gives it a far longer lifespan than conventional steel structures, for example.
The secret of this super high strength material lies in the carbon fibres, which are exceptionally tear-resistant along the length of the fibre. The fibres are woven into lattice structures and embedded in a plastic matrix to create the carbon fibre/plastic composite material CFRP. In its dry, resin-free state, CFRP can be worked almost like a textile, and as a result 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.
First Volume Production of CFRP
The selection of this high-tech material for a volume-produced vehicle like the BMW i3 and BMW i8 is unprecedented: CFRP has previously been seen as too expensive and insufficiently flexible to work with. However, with more than ten years of research and production expertise, BMW, together with SGL Automotive Carbon Fibres, now develops and produces carbon fibres and carbon fibre sheets. An ultra-modern, renewably powered carbon fibre production plant is being built at Moses Lake, USA. After a three month testing period, production of carbon fibres for processing at the BMW joint venture plant in Wackersdorf, Germany, will start in 2011.
Inspiring Design.
BMW i embodies the creation of visionary vehicles and a new understanding of premium mobility underpinned by sustainability. This can be seen and experienced in the inspiring design of BMW i vehicles.
The aim was to create an authentic visual representation of innovative technology and to translate values such as lightness, safety and efficiency into the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept models. These basic values are expressed in the design of the vehicles through features including large transparent surfaces and a light-bathed interior, a powerful stance and aerodynamic additions such as contact surfaces, spoiler lips and elements allowing air through-flow. The BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept also blend in their own interpretation of familiar BMW design features, cementing a clear link to the BMW parent brand.
Exterior design.
The most defining element of the BMW i concepts is their purpose-built basic construction, the LifeDrive architecture. Within this concept, the CFRP Life module houses the passenger compartment, while the Drive module brings together all the operational driving functions. This distinctive two-way split is also reflected in the design of the cars. The modules are partly covered by side panels, but remain clearly distinguishable. Expressive surfaces and precise lines form a harmonious transition between the two. This overlap and interlocking of surfaces and lines – "layering" in BMW i speak – marks out the exterior and interior design of both vehicles.
Aerodynamics and design.
Aerodynamics are an important element of efficient mobility and therefore of BMW i, and they are deliberately reflected in the exterior design of the two concept models. The aerodynamically optimised "stream flow" is one of the most striking styling cues of the BMW i vehicles.
The special three-dimensional form of the stream flow on the BMW i8 Concept, moreover, improves its aerodynamic efficiency. The underbody of the two vehicles, meanwhile, is totally enclosed and has a smooth surface to counteract the under-car turbulence that would otherwise push up fuel consumption. Other aerodynamic elements include the AirCurtains, which ensure optimum air flow around the wheel arches and the aeroflaps in the door sill area behind the front wheels. Both solutions reduce the cars' drag substantially, and in so doing increase their efficiency – and therefore their range when running on electric power alone
The secret of this super high strength material lies in the carbon fibres, which are exceptionally tear-resistant along the length of the fibre. The fibres are woven into lattice structures and embedded in a plastic matrix to create the carbon fibre/plastic composite material CFRP. In its dry, resin-free state, CFRP can be worked almost like a textile, and as a result 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.
First Volume Production of CFRP
The selection of this high-tech material for a volume-produced vehicle like the BMW i3 and BMW i8 is unprecedented: CFRP has previously been seen as too expensive and insufficiently flexible to work with. However, with more than ten years of research and production expertise, BMW, together with SGL Automotive Carbon Fibres, now develops and produces carbon fibres and carbon fibre sheets. An ultra-modern, renewably powered carbon fibre production plant is being built at Moses Lake, USA. After a three month testing period, production of carbon fibres for processing at the BMW joint venture plant in Wackersdorf, Germany, will start in 2011.
Inspiring Design.
BMW i embodies the creation of visionary vehicles and a new understanding of premium mobility underpinned by sustainability. This can be seen and experienced in the inspiring design of BMW i vehicles.
The aim was to create an authentic visual representation of innovative technology and to translate values such as lightness, safety and efficiency into the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept models. These basic values are expressed in the design of the vehicles through features including large transparent surfaces and a light-bathed interior, a powerful stance and aerodynamic additions such as contact surfaces, spoiler lips and elements allowing air through-flow. The BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept also blend in their own interpretation of familiar BMW design features, cementing a clear link to the BMW parent brand.
Exterior design.
The most defining element of the BMW i concepts is their purpose-built basic construction, the LifeDrive architecture. Within this concept, the CFRP Life module houses the passenger compartment, while the Drive module brings together all the operational driving functions. This distinctive two-way split is also reflected in the design of the cars. The modules are partly covered by side panels, but remain clearly distinguishable. Expressive surfaces and precise lines form a harmonious transition between the two. This overlap and interlocking of surfaces and lines – "layering" in BMW i speak – marks out the exterior and interior design of both vehicles.
Aerodynamics and design.
Aerodynamics are an important element of efficient mobility and therefore of BMW i, and they are deliberately reflected in the exterior design of the two concept models. The aerodynamically optimised "stream flow" is one of the most striking styling cues of the BMW i vehicles.
The special three-dimensional form of the stream flow on the BMW i8 Concept, moreover, improves its aerodynamic efficiency. The underbody of the two vehicles, meanwhile, is totally enclosed and has a smooth surface to counteract the under-car turbulence that would otherwise push up fuel consumption. Other aerodynamic elements include the AirCurtains, which ensure optimum air flow around the wheel arches and the aeroflaps in the door sill area behind the front wheels. Both solutions reduce the cars' drag substantially, and in so doing increase their efficiency – and therefore their range when running on electric power alone
Exterior and interior united.
The colours and materials concept creates an effective link between the vehicles – and between their exteriors and interiors. The dominant colours of the exterior are the Silver Flow shade of light silver and High-gloss Black. The slightly blue-tinged, bright silver colour tone shows off the vehicles' technical, modern exterior design extremely effectively and presents a clear contrast against the black-painted surfaces. Contrasting touches in bright, forceful Stream Blue bring the efficiency of the vehicles (inside and out) stylistically to life. Externally this colour can also be found in the logo, the kidney grille, door sills and rear apron. Applied more discreetly in the interior, Stream Blue glows subtly from the logo in the steering wheel, the seat stitching, and between the leather surfaces and structural layers of the steering wheel, as well as from the indicators and displays. The colours of the interior paint a far warmer picture and therefore create a pleasant contrast to the technical cool of the exterior. The shell layer structures in Porcelain White and the warm dark brown leather colour tone Mocha Brown conjure up a modern yet cosy ambience.
Sustainability in the interior.
A stand-out feature of both interiors is the visible use, for the first time, of renewable and naturally treated raw materials. The BMW i3 Concept sets new benchmarks in the use of sustainable materials. In addition to the extensive use of natural fibres and naturally tanned leather, 25 per cent of the weight of the interior plastic is accounted for by recycled or renewable raw materials.
Intelligent Mobility.
BMW i goes beyond the car – Mobility Services
An integral part of BMW i, in addition to the vehicles, is an offering of comprehensive and custom-designed services that can be used independently of the vehicle itself. These mobility services focus, for example, on solutions that make more efficient use of existing parking space, intelligent navigation systems that can also offer location-based information, an Intermodal Route Planning service and premium car-sharing. In addition to developing and offering its own services, BMW i also provides services in partnership with other companies and makes strategic investments in mobility service providers. With this in mind, BMW i Ventures was founded. The goal of the company is to extend the product portfolio of BMW i by investing in high-potential service providers such as "MyCityWay" or "ParkatmyHouse".
Proactive Front Protection
In both vehicles the camera-based proactive Front Protection system provides active safety which helps to prevent accidents or mitigate injuries. The system, which operates across the entire speed range, can detect a collision risk with preceding vehicles and warns the driver in good time, so that he can sharply reduce his speed and, if possible, still avoid an accident. In the speed range from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) the system can now also detect pedestrians and in addition to warning the driver in the event of an impending collision. It also assists by performing automatic emergency braking.
Driver assistance systems for urban driving – Parking Assistant and Traffic Jam Assistant.
Since the BMW i3 Concept is designed mainly for urban operation, the vehicle features two further driver assistance systems – the Parking Assistant and the Traffic Jam Assistant. The Parking Assistant now relieves the driver of the entire parking manoeuvre, performing acceleration and braking automatically. If multiple manoeuvres are required, the vehicle can also switch between forward and reverse direction without the driver's intervention.
The Traffic Jam Assistant – "Go with the flow"
Traffic jams are a part of everyday driving especially in megacities. The Traffic Jam Assistant makes driving less stressful under monotonous road conditions. By letting the vehicle "go with the flow", it allows the driver to get to his destination in a more relaxed state of mind. The Traffic Jam Assistant maintains a specified following distance from the vehicle in front and in particularly heavy traffic can autonomously control the speed of the vehicle right down to a standstill while providing active steering input. This enables the vehicle to help the driver stay on course right up to a speed of 40 km/h (25 mph) – provided he keeps at least one hand on the steering wheel.
The BMW i remote functions.
Thanks to mobile devices, our digital life has long gone beyond home computers, more than ever before taking place outside of our homes as well on the road - and through the application-based integration of mobile devices in the context of BMW ConnectedDrive.
It is now also available inside the vehicle. The seamless integration of application-based remote functions allows the car to be accessed using a smartphone, to perform familiar functions such as remote locking and unlocking of the car, CarFinder and Google Local Search.
For the BMW i3 Concept and the BMW i8 Concept new features designed specifically for electric vehicles have been added to the known remote functions of BMW ConnectedDrive. These specific e-vehicle functions include remote-controlled charging and remote-controlled thermal preconditioning of the battery pack and vehicle interior. Remote-controlled charging allows the user to start the charging process at a time that can be determined by setting the journey start time. This function also allows the user to check the current battery charge status at any time, as well as how much longer the car will need until charging is completed. Furthermore, the type of electricity can be selected by the driver – from particularly clean to particularly economical.
BMW i and Sustainability
Sustainability has played a defining role in the BMW Group's strategy and operations ever since the early 1970s. Since that time, many production processes have been optimised and many innovative BMW EfficientDynamics technologies incorporated into the company's vehicles, which have significantly reduced emissions both during the manufacturing process and during the useful life of the vehicle.
But sustainability is not confined solely to environmental issues. The BMW Group addresses all three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, economic and social. Just how successful the BMW Group has been in its actions to promote sustainability is clear not least from its position in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index: in 2010 the BMW Group headed this ranking list for the sixth time running, making it the most sustainable company in the automotive sector.
For BMW i, sustainability is of fundamental importance and something it aspires to throughout the entire value chain. From the earliest strategic and planning stages, therefore, clearly defined sustainability targets were set for the BMW i vehicles. All three sustainability aspects were addressed across the entire spectrum, from purchasing, development and production to sales and marketing.
The BMW i3 Concept proves beyond doubt how successfully these sustainability targets were achieved. The life cycle global warming potential (CO2e) of the BMW i3 Concept, assuming a European electricity mix (EU 25), is at least a third lower than for a comparable highly efficient combustion-engine vehicle in the same segment. If the vehicle is powered by renewable electricity, the improvement increases to well over 50 per cent. This is reflected in a large number of innovative measures relating to the development, production and recycling stage. Some of these solutions were developed by suppliers. In this way BMW i is setting new standards of sustainability across the entire value chain.
Leipzig: The Future Mobility Plant.
The first production centre for electro-mobility in Germany is a BMW plant: Our site in Leipzig. Around €400 million will have been invested in the production of the BMW i3 by 2013. The expansion of the plant will create approximately 800 jobs.
The expansion of the high-tech plant in Leipzig into a production centre for electro-mobility has started in March 2011. In a first step, the building which will house the construction of CFRP components, will be built. Body parts made out of the extremely light and strong material will be formed here.
In a next step, another building for the production of plastic parts and later on in the year, two further production halls will be constructed. In these new halls, the bodies of the BMW i3 and BMW i8 will be put together, fitted out and then attached to the drive module. The first vehicles should roll off of the production line in these new buildings in 2013.
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