BMW i3
The EPA’s fuel economy champ for 2015, the compact i3 comes wrapped in oddly polarizing styling
and is so much more, and in many ways less, than an electric 3 Series. It puts the equivalent of 170
horsepower to the pavement, with (as is the case with all EVs) 100 percent of the electric motor’s
torque available immediately, which makes it feel peppier than expected. Its expected range is 80-100
miles on a charge, which can be accomplished in as little as six hours depending on the type of
charger and electrical supply. An optional DC Combo Fast Charger is capable of restoring the
battery to 80 percent capacity in about 30 minutes when connected to a Level 2 public charging
station. This is also the only EV to offer an optional extended range gasoline engine to run the
electric motor once the car’s lithium-ion battery is depleted, though a tiny gas tank means frequent
full-ups to keep going indefinitely.
