26 October 2010

Electric cars 'will be subsidised' by conventional engines

Conventional power systems will have to cross-subsidise electric car technology in its first products cycle, according to BMW's boss Norbert Reithofer.

He was speaking about his company's Mecacity electric vehicle programme, and said he isn't expecting the brand to contribute to profits immediately. A design concept for the car is reproduced above.

The Megacity is slated to come to market in 2013. It will use carbon-fibre composite for much of its body, along with aluminium, both materials allowing the carmaker to offset much of the extra weight of the battery.