In a global event in London, New York and Beijing, the launch of the hatchback places the Munich carmaker in a prestige brand lead in EVs.
The i3 will have a 160km range, and recharging abilities between 1-8 hours, depending on charger type. An optional petrol generator will extend the range to 300km.
BMW hopes the i3 will become a second car of choice in BMW-owning households. The main issue is still pricing, which has it substantially more expensive than a base level 3 Series.
Mass market EV leaders Renault-Nissan recently sold their 100,000th electric car, a Leaf, to a student in the US.
