BMW’s New i3 Could Favor Aluminum Construction Over Carbon Fiber

BMW is said to be preparing the launch of the second-generation i3

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by Brad Anderson

August 15, 2016 at 05:00

BMW is said to be preparing the launch of the second-generation i3 sometime in 2022. While that’s some six years away, Automobile Magazine reports that research and development of the vehicle has already started in earnest.

Apparently, the Bavarian company is mulling over three different construction methods for the new car, logically in an attempt to make it more affordable and a closer rival to the brand new Chevrolet Bolt.

First off, BMW is looking at building the second-gen i3 largely out of lightweight carbon fiber, just like the current car. Due to the cost of carbon however, other options are being considered. Most notably, it is thought that carbon could be ditched in favor of an all-aluminum construction, seemingly a backward step technologically but an obvious way to save in development and production costs.

Thirdly, BMW is assessing building the next i3 from a mix of five or six materials, likely including elements of carbon fiber, plastics, aluminum and steel.

Whatever the case may be, the new model will inevitably sport a significantly higher electric range and if battery packs continue to shed weight, could make the new model lighter than the outgoing car.