BMW i brand already has two cars. the compact i3 city car has been on the market for a short while as a purely electric vehicle or as an extended-range model with a small combustion engine charging the battery, to extend the range compared to the purely electric model for those who need a bigger daily range.
The more sportier 2+2 i8 plug-in hybrid will soon hit the market as the development is over and first press launch successfully behind.
The i8 is an impressive vehicle and very likely will play a big role in future BMW sports cars. A modern day M1 is even rumored that will be based on the i8 and its tech.
The i8 weighs 1,490 kg (3,284 lbs) and features a carbon fiber reinforced plastic passenger cell, standard LED headlights, with laser ones being optionally available and doors that open upwards.
The plug-in hybrid system combines a 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder gasoline TwinPower Turbo engine with 231 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque sending power to the rear wheels and an electric motor with another 131 hp with power sent to the front wheels.
Combined power output is 362 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, taking the i8 from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.4 seconds. Average fuel economy is just 2.5 liters / 100 km (94 mpg).
BMW Group DesignWorksUSA has now developed a very beautiful solar carport concept for the i3 and i8. The solar carport beautifully blends carbon fiber on the side of the carpor along with bamboo in the form of struts. Electricity is generated with high-grade glass-on-glass solar modules. These are real modules used in Europe, that the manufacturer offers a 30-year guarantee.
The car can be specifically charged with solar electricity from the carport or conventional power in case there is not enough sun. If you live in a sunny place and drive very little, then the surplus solar power can be put to domestic use.
BMW does not mention how much energy the solarport can create in perfect condition, but we assume it is enough to charge the i8, which has a range of around 37 kilometres (22 miles) in all-electric mode.
