Dive into BMW's electrifying journey, from 1960s prototypes to the futuristic Neue Klasse. Uncover the evolution of iconic EVs! The 1602 Elektro-Antrieb, the first electric car in BMW's history, had a 12.6 kWh battery, could travel 60 km and was the subject of an official restomod.
The reality, as BMW NA's Rich Brekus later put it: "The E36 electric vehicles were terrible." California eventually agreed to accept BMW's Partial Zero Emission Vehicles instead - cars that were still gasoline-powered but extraordinarily clean. Millions of them hit the road, dramatically improving California's air quality. BMW 1602 Electric (12/2012) BMW wasn't building cars during the first electric age, having been founded as an aero engine manufacturer in 1916 and only adding motorcycles and cars in 1923 and 1928, respectively.
BMW is famous for its mastery of the internal combustion engine - but it was also an early pioneer in the modern EV revolution Words: Bob Harper Images: BMW It's virtually impossible to open a newspaper, magazine, your internet browser or your social media stream without being assailed by tales of climate emergency doom and gloom. Is the electric car the answer? Will Hydrogen play a part. BMW began testing electric cars in the 1970s.
It built a pair of battery-powered 1602 coupes for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany. When it comes to luxury electric vehicles, BMW has been a front-runner in the industry for quite some time. From the i3 to the i8, BMW has consistently delivered electric cars that combine sleek design, impressive performance, and eco-friendly innovation.
But where did it all begin for BMW's electric car history? Let's take a closer look at the evolution of BMW's electric cars and how. So, in 1993, BMW released another pair of E1 concepts, although this time, it wasn't just an EV. While the original 1991 concept was just an electric car, one of the 1993 models was a hybrid.
The MCV became the i3, marking the beginning of the BMW i sub-brand that still continues today. BMW has been working on EVs for over 50 years, making its substantial portfolio of electric vehicles more than a mere fad or regulatory requirement. Explore the BMW all-electric vehicles experience and learn about the future of electromobility.
Discover the BMW i difference that sets all-electric BMWs apart and how an all-electric lifestyle can result in significant savings, credits, and convenience.