For many fleet decision-makers this year’s Fleet World Fleet Show on April 9 will be their first opportunity to test-drive one of the exciting new electric vehicles on the market, such as the BMW i3, to discover why electric power is set to meet the fleet mobility needs of the future.
The i3 is the first of BMW’s new plug-in vehicle sub-brand, and is available in two versions: the pure electric version which covers a typical 80-100 miles on a single charge, and a range extended version which uses a 650cc two-cylinder petrol engine to extend the range to around 180 miles on one tank of fuel.
The electric version costs £25,680 and the range-extended model £28,830, and BMW expects the latter to be more popular at launch, but with sales swinging back towards the pure EV as drivers get used to the technology.
The car’s construction incorporates plastic body panels on a carbon fibre reinforced polymer bodyshell, all sat on an aluminium chassis, to keep its weight down, while the battery, which sits under the boot floor, drives 170bhp to the rear wheels.
This allows the BMW i3 to sprint from zero to 37mph in a mere 3.7 seconds and zero to 62mph in just 7.2 seconds, electrifying performance for an EV!
Thanks to its electric power and zero CO2 emissions, the BMW i3 also attracts zero payments in BIK, National Insurance contribution, Road Fund Licence and Congestion Charge, making it a compelling fleet proposition.
The BMW i3 is one of a number of new electric powered and hybrid vehicles that will be available for driving at Silverstone this year.
A host of manufacturers, including Nissan, Vauxhall, Citroen, Renault, Infiniti, Volvo, Peugeot, Lexus, Toyota, Honda and Hyundai, are expected to have their latest low emission and EV offerings at the event on display and available for test driving.
At the same time, electric charging companies, including ABB and Charging Solutions, will also be exhibiting at the Show to allow fleet decision makers to get a complete overview of the infrastructure available.
