The BMW i3 was the compact BMW electric car that began production in Leipzig in 2013.
The i3 was developed as a purpose-built urban electric car rather than an electrified version of an existing BMW model. Its production began at BMW’s Leipzig complex in September 2013, with retail production starting on 18 September. The factory used specialized processes for the car’s lightweight carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic passenger cell and aluminum-based chassis.
The i3’s unusual design included a tall hatchback body, rear-hinged rear doors and a minimalist interior using materials such as recycled plastics and plant-based fibers. BMW also offered versions with a small gasoline range extender, but the standard i3’s propulsion was electric and its battery was charged from an external power source.
The i3 is easy to confuse with the i8 because both belonged to BMW’s early “i” sub-brand. The i8, however, was a plug-in hybrid sports car, while the i3 was the compact city-focused model. BMW ended i3 production in July 2022 after building about 250,000 units.