BMW is working on a tiny ‘mega city’ car, company CEO Norbert Reithofer has confirmed. The project, which was first revealed by Autocar back in April, is being driven by future fuel economy and pollution rules in both the US and EU.
“It’ll be a car with a completely new look, with two engines available. One will be a very efficient combustion engine and the other will be a purely electric model,” Reithofer told the German weekly newspaper Die Zeit.
The electric-powered microcar will comply with Californian regulations, which dictate that by 2012 a fuel cell or battery-powered vehicle must have a range of over 200 miles.
By the time the new city car arrives those rules will be in place, though the frugal and super-clean internal combustion engine will still be the big European seller.
There’s no news on whether the car will wear the BMW badge, but BMW has previously said it was considering launching a fourth, ‘green’ brand. Reviving the old Isetta marque is said to be one of the possibilities.
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Four years ago, I would have
Four years ago, I would have been very excited about BMW coming up with a new electric city car. But after that, I would be very cautious since there would be not many car owners who would be owning such, and it would be very costly for me to maintain an electric car, since charging stations may not be prevalent at that time. However, fast forward to today’s time, BMW has ensured that their EV drivers or Electronaut’s are getting the convenience there is, at discounted prices. BMW has gotten into an agreement with the resource supplier for the equipment for a charging station at the convenience of one’s home. If only I did not change right away my existing BMW because of its swirl flaps, I would have bought an EV instead.
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That's new coming from BMW. I
That's new coming from BMW.
A complete new design by BMW.
A complete new design by BMW. The best feature is the double engine. Afterall its world 's no 1 brand so it will draw huge attention.This model can create a difference both in the market as well as in minds of people who doubt on the efficiency of electric powered cars.
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