The BMW i3 used a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic passenger cell in mass production.
BMW designed the i3 as a purpose-built electric city car rather than adapting an existing petrol model. Its lightweight passenger module, called the Life module, was made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, while the lower Drive module carried the battery, motor, suspension, and structural components.
The material helped offset the weight of the battery pack. Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic is strong and light, but it is generally more expensive and demanding to manufacture than conventional steel. The i3 therefore became a notable example of advanced lightweight construction in a volume-produced electric car.
BMW launched the i3 in 2013. It was offered as a battery-electric car and, in some markets, with an optional small petrol engine range extender. That optional engine did not change the identity of the standard i3 as a battery-electric model.