BMW was no different, taking the opportunity to publicly unveil the i3 electric city car and the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car concepts.
BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer prefaced the cars’ arrival by showing off a BMW 1602e, which was specifically converted to electric drive for the 1972 Olympics. By saving weight with these materials, BMW has managed to counteract the additional weight of batteries that usually makes electric cars so heavy.
While the cars themselves will be very energy efficient, producing the carbon fiber needed for them requires lots of energy. One other neat trick to cut power usage: the the BMW i8 concept is the first application of BMW’s new laser headlight system.
It also features what BMW calls LifeDrive architecture, which involves both passenger seating and its propulsion system being based on state-of-the-art methods of cutting weight. The concept is constructed a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic monocoque.
It also features something called PRO ECO mode, a setting that allows the driver to utilize the most energy efficient method when traveling. Overall, BMW is serious about the BMW i8 being able to handle various weather situations.
