Is BMW Working on All-Electric i8 Version?

The age of electric cars has begun. Electric versions from different automakers have started to be sold in the market and it is clearly taking over the hydrogen-fueled models. BMW is playing the game with their cars launched by the i division. They have pure EV models and also develop of plug-in hybrids. There are more iPerformance models being released recently. News of the BMW xDrive40e X5 to the 740e model have flooded the car scene. Aside from those, an interesting rumor today is the possibility of a modified BMW i8 version.

Autocar reports that BMW is currently working on an all-electric version of the i8. If this is true, then it would cause a drastic change in how the car is perceived. The possibility of the i8 turning into a proper supercar is very exciting. A supercar powered by electric motors entirely? Now that’s a first! So what kind of system could be used to create such a version?

The same report says that the hydrogen-powered prototype i8 that was shown to the media last year will be used as a basis for the upcoming i8 EV. The enlarged center tunnel that was created to house hydrogen tanks would be used to accommodate a larger battery pack that would, in turn, power the electric motors that send power to the wheels. If that’s the case, there will be three motors on-board the electric i8. The rear internal combustion engine will also be replaced by two electric motors mounted in its stead to bring power to the rear wheels, plus a single motor that will be taking care of the front axle. The power output will then be raised to 268 horsepower.

Another feature is higher revving of brushless motors which will provide more power while being more compact. Higher density cells will be used in the battery so it will not add that much weight even if the pack is bigger. For BMW, this material is also more affordable and scalable.

Next year, it is likely that the new all-electric i8 might be introduced in the shape of the future Formula E Safety Car. These are all rumors as of now and let’s take the information with a grain of salt.